Conergy has recently completed a 1.5 megawatt solar installation on Sutter’s Landing Park in California.
The solar installation will produce around 2,300 MW of solar energy annually for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
Sutter’s Landing solar installation will provide power directly into the Sacramento grid. It creates a virtual net metering situation for residents and businesses so they can receive power generated by solar energy even if they aren’t able to install their own solar power system, said, Anthony Fotopoulos, CEO, Conergy Americas.
Supported by City of Sacramento Councilman Steve Cohn and the Sacramento Recycling and Solid Waste Division, the Park and solar installation are developed in a former landfill.
Conergy was awarded the project after its collaboration with SMUD, California Energy Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy to design a solar power system.
This solar system provided clean energy to the park in addition to working around natural wildlife habitats that met strict guidelines.
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The land is home to the endangered valley elderberry longhorn beetle, and the system had to be built around the bushes that protect the beetle.
The new solar installation offers a covered carport over the main parking area and shaded seating areas for dog park users.
The landfill, closed 15 years ago was moved with an innovative “earth screw” ballast system, eliminating the need for heavy concrete footings, which could have damaged the landfill cap.
The solar installation is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 3.5 million pounds annually. Revenue produced from the power generated will be re-invested to fund park preservation.
Sutter’s Landing is an important part of SMUD’s effort to add community-scale solar generation to the electric grid without compromising reliability, said, Rob Kerth, director, Ward 5, SMUD.
Conergy was responsible for the development, engineering, procurement and construction of the Sutter’s Landing solar installation.
California Energy Commission, SMUD, and U.S. Department of Energy’s Community Renewable Energy Deployment program, were providers of partial fund for the project.
Sabeena Wahid
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