California State University, Fullerton Unleashes 1.16MW of Solar Power
1. California State University, Fullerton Unleashes 1.16MW of
Solar Power
FULLERTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--REC
Solar, a leading provider of home, commercial and government solar
electric systems in the United States, and AECOM Technology Corporation
as the Design Builder, today unveiled a 1.16MW installation at the California
State University, Fullerton (CSUF) campus. Local politicians and
solar advocates attended a flip-the-switch event to celebrate the
completion of three solar systems REC Solar installed on the rooftops of
two CSU Fullerton buildings and a parking structure carport under
contract to AECOM. The CSUF installation also includes solar-powered
electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to maximize the university's
sustainability efforts.
Combined, the systems will produce 1.6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of
electricity annually -- equivalent to reducing 26,422 tons of greenhouse
gas emissions, or eliminating 5,181 passenger vehicles from the road
over the next 25 years. As part of the agreement announced
in October 2008, CSUF will be one of 16 Cal State University sites to
host a total of 20 megawatts of solar power throughout the state.
"California's continued economic, environmental and social prosperity
depends on sustainable energy and technology," said Dr. Willie Hagan,
Interim President of California State University, Fullerton. "With
today's celebratory completion of the California State University,
Fullerton installation, we are demonstrating our commitment to derive
more of our energy from renewable sources. A fiscally responsible
2. endeavor, CSUF is saving energy and reducing costs, while setting the
bar for other universities to aspire to."
The solar carport system installed atop the Eastside Parking Structure
on the southeast corner of campus will provide power to six Coulomb
Technologies EV charging stations supplied by Charge Harbor LLC. On the
forefront of a rapidly growing trend, the solar-powered EV charging
carports will provide clean, renewable energy for emissions-free
vehicles, highlighting the rapidly growing convergence between the two
sustainability movements.
"By installing electric vehicle charging stations from Charge Harbor
LLC, CSU Fullerton enables everyone on campus to participate in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions," said Ryan Grady, President, Charge Harbor
LLC. "Commuting to campus in a plug-in vehicle can reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by as much as 70 percent - we are honored to be part of this
effort."
AECOM
Technology Corporation (NYSE: ACM), leading provider of professional
technical services worldwide, was the prime contractor for the solar
project and has been working on the CSUF campus for more than five
years. Having completed numerous energy efficiency projects on campus,
Angelo Esposito, Regional Energy Business Line Manager for AECOM, said,
"We are proud to have been part of this campus' success in becoming a
model for energy efficiency and sustainability."
AECOM selected leading solar power installer REC Solar for its
substantial experience in constructing solar PV systems at
government-owned installations. "State facilities are in a unique and
3. challenging position because they face state and federal mandates for
renewable energy," said Burke Kascha-Hare, Director of Federal Business
Development for REC Solar. "We are pleased to be instrumental in helping
CSU Fullerton meet its aggressive renewable energy goals."
The three systems, totaling 1.16 megawatts in size, feature 4,956 REC
Peak Energy Series Panels from global solar panel manufacturing leader REC
Group.
Attendees at the commissioning ceremony held today at CSU Fullerton
included Fullerton City Manager Joe Felz and representatives from the
offices of U.S. Rep. Ed Royce and California State Senator Bob Huff.
Representatives from the installation partners were also in attendance
including CSU Fullerton, REC Solar, AECOM, Charge Harbor LLC and
Southern California Edison, among others.
About California State University, Fullerton
A comprehensive, regional university with a global outlook, Cal State
Fullerton enrolls more than 33,000 students and offers 105 degree
programs in eight colleges. Accredited by the Western Association of
Schools and Colleges, Cal State Fullerton is one of the largest
universities in the 23-campus California State University system. It is
ninth in the nation for the number of bachelor's degrees awarded to
minority students and first in California for the number of bachelor's
degrees awarded to Hispanics. Learn more about the university at the
CSUF Web site: www.fullerton.edu.
About AECOM
AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management
support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation,
4. facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With
approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in
all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global
reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in
delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world's built,
natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM
serves clients in approximately 125 countries and had revenue of $8.0
billion during its fiscal year 2011. More information on AECOM and its
services can be found at http://www.aecom.com.
About REC Solar
REC Solar, a subsidiary of Mainstream Energy Corporation, is an industry
leading solar power provider specializing in grid-tied residential,
commercial and government installations. With a local presence in all
major solar markets in the USA and thousands of kilowatts installed, REC
Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient
processes, innovative products and outstanding customer service. REC
Solar has more than a dozen offices in six states (California, Colorado,
Hawaii, Oregon, Arizona and New Jersey) supporting solar power projects
in fourteen states. For additional information on REC Solar visit www.recsolar.com or
call 888.OK.SOLAR (888.657.6527).