The City of Ontario is using the power of the sun to generate electricity for City facilities, saving the City of Ontario an estimated $18.4 million in electricity costs over the next 25 years. Two new solar power systems are now operating at the Ontario Convention Center and the Ontario Police Department. Totaling nearly 1.8 megawatts, the solar power systems are designed and constructed by SunPower (Nasdaq: SPWR), a global solar technology and energy services provider based in California.
According to Ontario Mayor Paul S. Leon, “With these new solar projects, the City of Ontario is reinforcing our commitment to fiscal responsibility and helping protect the environment for our community and future generations.”
SunPower installed a 680-kilowatt rooftop solar power system at the Ontario Convention Center, and a 1.1-megawatt system at the Ontario Police Department. The Ontario Police Department system includes a rooftop installation as well as solar carport technology, which takes advantage of underutilized space in parking areas. Both of the systems utilize high efficiency solar panels, which maximize savings and return on investment by generating 75 percent more power than conventional solar panels.
“These two state-of-the-art solar energy projects allow Ontario to reduce our ongoing costs while enhancing City services,” said Ontario Mayor Paul S. Leon. “These projects highlight the City Council’s commitment to operate in a businesslike manner, invest in our infrastructure, and reduce our GHG emissions.”
“We congratulate the City of Ontario for their commitment to solar, and for selecting proven technology that maximizes energy production and delivers unmatched long term reliability,” said Howard Wenger, SunPower President, Business Units.
According to estimates provided by Southern California Edison, the system is expected to offset the production of almost 30,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide over the next 25 years, which is equivalent to removing 6,315 cars from California’s roads.