Borrego To Install 1.2 Megawatt Solar System for UCSD

• By Chris Riedel
• 09/09/08

[Editor's note: See related story on UCSD's solar power projects here. --D.N.]

Borrego Solar Systems announced that it has been selected by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) to install a 1.2 megawatt solar electric system. The grid-connected system will provide approximately 2.4 million kilowatt hours of energy per year, contributing to the university’s overall sustainable energy goals.

According to Borrego, the system will consist of 5,790 Kyocera KD205 photovoltaic modules, mounted on buildings throughout the campus. The power generated by the panels will contribute to the university’s projected overall sustainable energy production of 29 million kilowatt hours annually. The solar system, in conjunction with other UCSD green energy efforts, is expected to offset 10,500 tons of carbon emissions per year.

“The sustainability program that UCSD has in place will not only dramatically reduce the university’s carbon footprint and energy costs, but it will also encourage green thinking among the student body and the San Diego community at large,” said Aaron Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar Systems, in a prepared statement. “The benefits of this type of sweeping project are far-reaching and long-lasting, and Borrego is proud to take part in this monumental effort by installing a solar energy system that will ensure he consistent production of renewable energy for years to come.”

At a total cost of $9 million, UCSD is financing the system through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solar Power Partners (SPP). Under the agreement, SPP incurs all of the upfront capital costs, as well as operations and maintenance needs, and UCSD, in turn, purchases the energy produced by the system from Solar Power Partners, at a pre-negotiated price. According to the announcement, the partnership allows UCSD to meet long-term budgetary requirements, while continuing to enhance its sustainability efforts.