May 24 2007
As part of its ongoing efforts to optimize energy efficiency, conserve natural resources and reduce dependency on foreign energy sources, the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs today dedicated a 321-kilowatt solar electric power system atop the Homeland Security Center of Excellence in Lawrenceville, NJ. The new system was installed by PowerLight, a subsidiary of SunPower Corporation a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency, commercially available solar cells, solar panels and solar systems. The solar electric system is expected to save NJ DMAVA more than $90,000 annually in energy costs, and reduce its use of conventionally generated power by more than 25 percent.
This is the second rooftop solar electric power system commissioned by NJ DMAVA to help reduce operating costs. In 2005, PowerLight completed the installation of a 181-kilowatt system on the Joint Training and Technology Development Center at Fort Dix. Together, these two systems represent the largest commitment to install solar power by a military agency on the East Coast.
"We're delighted to incorporate clean, reliable and affordable solar power in our facilities and appreciate the funding support received from the National Guard Bureau. Solar makes sense for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs because it diversifies our energy mix. In addition, we’re proud to demonstrate leadership in the adoption of Gov. Corzine's Executive Order 54, which calls for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey," said Sr. Master Sgt. John Hastings, NJ DMAVA’s energy program manager.
“New Jersey has set ambitious targets for renewable energy use through 2020, and NJ DMAVA’s commitment to solar power makes it one of the leading agencies working to meet the state’s goals,” said David Eisenbud, PowerLight senior project development manager.
SunPower’s proprietary PowerTilt® solar electric power system was installed on the rooftop of the Homeland Security Center for Excellence. The system features 1,648 modular pre-engineered solar panels tilted at a 10-degree angle to maximize energy output. With an annual output of more than 351,000 kilowatt hours per year, the solar power system will eliminate more than 7.7 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over 30 years. This is equivalent to planting 1,110 acres of trees, or not driving 9.6 million miles on New Jersey’s roadways.