Tanner Creek Energy Announces the Completion of 17.9 kW Solar Energy System at Goschie Farms
PORTLAND, Ore., July 20 /PRNewswire/ — Tanner Creek Energy, a leading energy performance solution provider and general contractor, announced today the completion of a 17.9 kW grid-tied solar electric system at Goschie Farms.  Goschie Farms is a third generation, family-owned and operated hop farming operation in Silverton, Oregon.

Goschie Farms is made up of over 360 acres of hops, with an additional 600 acres diversified in to grass, specialty seeds, vegetable crops and wine grapes. The Silverton farm yields over 500,000 pounds of hops each season, including organic hops, which are sold to breweries throughout the U.S.

Goschie Farms’ sustainability practices include renewable energy and recycling, plus over half of the farm’s acreage is Salmon-Safe certified. Goschie Farms turned to Tanner Creek Energy to help the 1000-acre farm reduce its operating costs and lower its non-renewable energy consumption.  Tanner Creek Energy helps commercial, industrial and agricultural businesses reap the cost and operational benefits of implementing sustainable business practices including energy efficiency, renewable energy and conservation.

Tanner Creek designed and installed the roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system, which is mounted on the south facing roof of a building used for harvesting and processing hops. The system consists of seventy-eight solar panels tied to inverters which will provide electricity in parallel with the farm’s local utility service provider.

Gayle Goschie, co-owner of Goschie Farms, stated, “In addition to our commitment to environmental stewardship, our sustainability initiatives are important to the longevity and viability of a business that we hope will continue beyond three generations.”

Alan Hickenbottom, founder of Tanner Creek Energy stated, “We were eager to work with Goschie because they are a progressive leader in the Oregon agricultural community and is it an honor to help this one hundred year old business realize power savings and lower their energy footprint.”

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SolarCity Introduces SolarLease® and Solar Service Agreement Options in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For less money each month than they might pay for a single tank of gas, Tucson homeowners can now install solar power, significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money from day one. SolarCity®, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and related services, today announced the availability of its solar lease (SolarLease®) option for homeowners and businesses in Tucson. SolarCity recently won approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission to extend solar service agreement (SSA) options to nonprofit organizations in Arizona, and will make those options available to Tucson area schools and other nonprofit organizations as well. Through its financing options, SolarCity can allow Tucson homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations to install and use solar power for no money down and pay less than they previously paid for electricity, allowing them to save money from day one and use cleaner power at the same time.

SolarLease pricing in Tucson starts at $30 per month with no upfront cost, on approved credit. SolarLease includes custom design and installation, SolarCity’s SolarGuard® Internet-based monitoring service, repairs and insurance. SolarCity’s affordable lease option is made possible in part by solar rebates provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and SolarCity will handle all rebate administration paperwork for the customer. SolarCity’s offer will initially be available exclusively to homeowners and businesses served by TEP in the Tucson area.

SolarCity is moving into a new operations facility in Tucson this week and is currently hiring in the area. Candidates interested in available employment positions in Tucson can contact SolarCity via its online jobs form at www.solarcity.com/jobs.

“Tucson is one of the best solar markets in the world,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “Tucson has some of the most consistent sunshine in the U.S., and a population that is eager to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.”

SolarCity launched operations in Tucson in 2009 with its installation for Soaring Heights Communities at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The company completed a 3.4-megawatt ground-mounted solar power system last December as part of that project, and has been installing solar panels on hundreds of residential rooftops at the base to provide the balance for what will ultimately be a 6-megawatt, solar-powered community, the largest of its kind in the continental U.S.

Homeowners interested in leasing or purchasing a solar system or any of SolarCity’s services can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation, or visit SolarCity online at www.solarcity.com. More information about SolarLease is available online at www.solarcity.com/solarlease.

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SolarCity Introduces SolarLease® and Solar Service Agreement Options in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For less money each month than they might pay for a single tank of gas, Tucson homeowners can now install solar power, significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money from day one. SolarCity®, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and related services, today announced the availability of its solar lease (SolarLease®) option for homeowners and businesses in Tucson. SolarCity recently won approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission to extend solar service agreement (SSA) options to nonprofit organizations in Arizona, and will make those options available to Tucson area schools and other nonprofit organizations as well. Through its financing options, SolarCity can allow Tucson homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations to install and use solar power for no money down and pay less than they previously paid for electricity, allowing them to save money from day one and use cleaner power at the same time.

SolarLease pricing in Tucson starts at $30 per month with no upfront cost, on approved credit. SolarLease includes custom design and installation, SolarCity’s SolarGuard® Internet-based monitoring service, repairs and insurance. SolarCity’s affordable lease option is made possible in part by solar rebates provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and SolarCity will handle all rebate administration paperwork for the customer. SolarCity’s offer will initially be available exclusively to homeowners and businesses served by TEP in the Tucson area.

SolarCity is moving into a new operations facility in Tucson this week and is currently hiring in the area. Candidates interested in available employment positions in Tucson can contact SolarCity via its online jobs form at www.solarcity.com/jobs.

“Tucson is one of the best solar markets in the world,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “Tucson has some of the most consistent sunshine in the U.S., and a population that is eager to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.”

SolarCity launched operations in Tucson in 2009 with its installation for Soaring Heights Communities at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The company completed a 3.4-megawatt ground-mounted solar power system last December as part of that project, and has been installing solar panels on hundreds of residential rooftops at the base to provide the balance for what will ultimately be a 6-megawatt, solar-powered community, the largest of its kind in the continental U.S.

Homeowners interested in leasing or purchasing a solar system or any of SolarCity’s services can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation, or visit SolarCity online at www.solarcity.com. More information about SolarLease is available online at www.solarcity.com/solarlease.

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SolarCity Introduces SolarLease® and Solar Service Agreement Options in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For less money each month than they might pay for a single tank of gas, Tucson homeowners can now install solar power, significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money from day one. SolarCity®, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and related services, today announced the availability of its solar lease (SolarLease®) option for homeowners and businesses in Tucson. SolarCity recently won approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission to extend solar service agreement (SSA) options to nonprofit organizations in Arizona, and will make those options available to Tucson area schools and other nonprofit organizations as well. Through its financing options, SolarCity can allow Tucson homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations to install and use solar power for no money down and pay less than they previously paid for electricity, allowing them to save money from day one and use cleaner power at the same time.

SolarLease pricing in Tucson starts at $30 per month with no upfront cost, on approved credit. SolarLease includes custom design and installation, SolarCity’s SolarGuard® Internet-based monitoring service, repairs and insurance. SolarCity’s affordable lease option is made possible in part by solar rebates provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and SolarCity will handle all rebate administration paperwork for the customer. SolarCity’s offer will initially be available exclusively to homeowners and businesses served by TEP in the Tucson area.

SolarCity is moving into a new operations facility in Tucson this week and is currently hiring in the area. Candidates interested in available employment positions in Tucson can contact SolarCity via its online jobs form at www.solarcity.com/jobs.

“Tucson is one of the best solar markets in the world,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “Tucson has some of the most consistent sunshine in the U.S., and a population that is eager to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.”

SolarCity launched operations in Tucson in 2009 with its installation for Soaring Heights Communities at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The company completed a 3.4-megawatt ground-mounted solar power system last December as part of that project, and has been installing solar panels on hundreds of residential rooftops at the base to provide the balance for what will ultimately be a 6-megawatt, solar-powered community, the largest of its kind in the continental U.S.

Homeowners interested in leasing or purchasing a solar system or any of SolarCity’s services can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation, or visit SolarCity online at www.solarcity.com. More information about SolarLease is available online at www.solarcity.com/solarlease.

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SolarCity Introduces SolarLease® and Solar Service Agreement Options in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For less money each month than they might pay for a single tank of gas, Tucson homeowners can now install solar power, significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money from day one. SolarCity®, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and related services, today announced the availability of its solar lease (SolarLease®) option for homeowners and businesses in Tucson. SolarCity recently won approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission to extend solar service agreement (SSA) options to nonprofit organizations in Arizona, and will make those options available to Tucson area schools and other nonprofit organizations as well. Through its financing options, SolarCity can allow Tucson homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations to install and use solar power for no money down and pay less than they previously paid for electricity, allowing them to save money from day one and use cleaner power at the same time.

SolarLease pricing in Tucson starts at $30 per month with no upfront cost, on approved credit. SolarLease includes custom design and installation, SolarCity’s SolarGuard® Internet-based monitoring service, repairs and insurance. SolarCity’s affordable lease option is made possible in part by solar rebates provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and SolarCity will handle all rebate administration paperwork for the customer. SolarCity’s offer will initially be available exclusively to homeowners and businesses served by TEP in the Tucson area.

SolarCity is moving into a new operations facility in Tucson this week and is currently hiring in the area. Candidates interested in available employment positions in Tucson can contact SolarCity via its online jobs form at www.solarcity.com/jobs.

“Tucson is one of the best solar markets in the world,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “Tucson has some of the most consistent sunshine in the U.S., and a population that is eager to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.”

SolarCity launched operations in Tucson in 2009 with its installation for Soaring Heights Communities at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The company completed a 3.4-megawatt ground-mounted solar power system last December as part of that project, and has been installing solar panels on hundreds of residential rooftops at the base to provide the balance for what will ultimately be a 6-megawatt, solar-powered community, the largest of its kind in the continental U.S.

Homeowners interested in leasing or purchasing a solar system or any of SolarCity’s services can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation, or visit SolarCity online at www.solarcity.com. More information about SolarLease is available online at www.solarcity.com/solarlease.

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SolarCity Introduces SolarLease® and Solar Service Agreement Options in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For less money each month than they might pay for a single tank of gas, Tucson homeowners can now install solar power, significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money from day one. SolarCity®, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and related services, today announced the availability of its solar lease (SolarLease®) option for homeowners and businesses in Tucson. SolarCity recently won approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission to extend solar service agreement (SSA) options to nonprofit organizations in Arizona, and will make those options available to Tucson area schools and other nonprofit organizations as well. Through its financing options, SolarCity can allow Tucson homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations to install and use solar power for no money down and pay less than they previously paid for electricity, allowing them to save money from day one and use cleaner power at the same time.

SolarLease pricing in Tucson starts at $30 per month with no upfront cost, on approved credit. SolarLease includes custom design and installation, SolarCity’s SolarGuard® Internet-based monitoring service, repairs and insurance. SolarCity’s affordable lease option is made possible in part by solar rebates provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and SolarCity will handle all rebate administration paperwork for the customer. SolarCity’s offer will initially be available exclusively to homeowners and businesses served by TEP in the Tucson area.

SolarCity is moving into a new operations facility in Tucson this week and is currently hiring in the area. Candidates interested in available employment positions in Tucson can contact SolarCity via its online jobs form at www.solarcity.com/jobs.

“Tucson is one of the best solar markets in the world,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “Tucson has some of the most consistent sunshine in the U.S., and a population that is eager to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.”

SolarCity launched operations in Tucson in 2009 with its installation for Soaring Heights Communities at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The company completed a 3.4-megawatt ground-mounted solar power system last December as part of that project, and has been installing solar panels on hundreds of residential rooftops at the base to provide the balance for what will ultimately be a 6-megawatt, solar-powered community, the largest of its kind in the continental U.S.

Homeowners interested in leasing or purchasing a solar system or any of SolarCity’s services can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation, or visit SolarCity online at www.solarcity.com. More information about SolarLease is available online at www.solarcity.com/solarlease.

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SolarCity Introduces SolarLease® and Solar Service Agreement Options in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For less money each month than they might pay for a single tank of gas, Tucson homeowners can now install solar power, significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money from day one. SolarCity®, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and related services, today announced the availability of its solar lease (SolarLease®) option for homeowners and businesses in Tucson. SolarCity recently won approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission to extend solar service agreement (SSA) options to nonprofit organizations in Arizona, and will make those options available to Tucson area schools and other nonprofit organizations as well. Through its financing options, SolarCity can allow Tucson homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations to install and use solar power for no money down and pay less than they previously paid for electricity, allowing them to save money from day one and use cleaner power at the same time.

SolarLease pricing in Tucson starts at $30 per month with no upfront cost, on approved credit. SolarLease includes custom design and installation, SolarCity’s SolarGuard® Internet-based monitoring service, repairs and insurance. SolarCity’s affordable lease option is made possible in part by solar rebates provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and SolarCity will handle all rebate administration paperwork for the customer. SolarCity’s offer will initially be available exclusively to homeowners and businesses served by TEP in the Tucson area.

SolarCity is moving into a new operations facility in Tucson this week and is currently hiring in the area. Candidates interested in available employment positions in Tucson can contact SolarCity via its online jobs form at www.solarcity.com/jobs.

“Tucson is one of the best solar markets in the world,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “Tucson has some of the most consistent sunshine in the U.S., and a population that is eager to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.”

SolarCity launched operations in Tucson in 2009 with its installation for Soaring Heights Communities at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The company completed a 3.4-megawatt ground-mounted solar power system last December as part of that project, and has been installing solar panels on hundreds of residential rooftops at the base to provide the balance for what will ultimately be a 6-megawatt, solar-powered community, the largest of its kind in the continental U.S.

Homeowners interested in leasing or purchasing a solar system or any of SolarCity’s services can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation, or visit SolarCity online at www.solarcity.com. More information about SolarLease is available online at www.solarcity.com/solarlease.

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SolarCity Introduces SolarLease® and Solar Service Agreement Options in Tucson
TUCSON, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For less money each month than they might pay for a single tank of gas, Tucson homeowners can now install solar power, significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money from day one. SolarCity®, a national leader in solar financing, design, installation, monitoring and related services, today announced the availability of its solar lease (SolarLease®) option for homeowners and businesses in Tucson. SolarCity recently won approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission to extend solar service agreement (SSA) options to nonprofit organizations in Arizona, and will make those options available to Tucson area schools and other nonprofit organizations as well. Through its financing options, SolarCity can allow Tucson homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations to install and use solar power for no money down and pay less than they previously paid for electricity, allowing them to save money from day one and use cleaner power at the same time.

SolarLease pricing in Tucson starts at $30 per month with no upfront cost, on approved credit. SolarLease includes custom design and installation, SolarCity’s SolarGuard® Internet-based monitoring service, repairs and insurance. SolarCity’s affordable lease option is made possible in part by solar rebates provided by Tucson Electric Power (TEP), and SolarCity will handle all rebate administration paperwork for the customer. SolarCity’s offer will initially be available exclusively to homeowners and businesses served by TEP in the Tucson area.

SolarCity is moving into a new operations facility in Tucson this week and is currently hiring in the area. Candidates interested in available employment positions in Tucson can contact SolarCity via its online jobs form at www.solarcity.com/jobs.

“Tucson is one of the best solar markets in the world,” said Lyndon Rive, CEO of SolarCity. “Tucson has some of the most consistent sunshine in the U.S., and a population that is eager to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.”

SolarCity launched operations in Tucson in 2009 with its installation for Soaring Heights Communities at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The company completed a 3.4-megawatt ground-mounted solar power system last December as part of that project, and has been installing solar panels on hundreds of residential rooftops at the base to provide the balance for what will ultimately be a 6-megawatt, solar-powered community, the largest of its kind in the continental U.S.

Homeowners interested in leasing or purchasing a solar system or any of SolarCity’s services can contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation, or visit SolarCity online at www.solarcity.com. More information about SolarLease is available online at www.solarcity.com/solarlease.

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Amonix Signs Lease for CPV Solar Manufacturing Facility in North Las Vegas
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nevada–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Amonix, Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems, today announced that it has signed a lease for a new 214,000 square foot manufacturing facility on North Pecos Road in North Las Vegas, Nevada that will bring 278 green private sector clean energy jobs to Southern Nevada. The company intends to hire local residents to fill the management, technical, and productions jobs. The manufacturing facility will be up and running by the end of 2010.   

“Amonix, welcome to your new home,” said Mayor Shari L. Buck of the City of North Las Vegas. “I’d like to thank all of our leaders in Congress who made the Recovery Act a reality. This plant, made possible through public-private cooperation, will make a real difference to our community and families.”

In May, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid presided over a ceremony to “flip the switch” on an Amonix CPV solar plant at the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) River Mountains Water Treatment Facility. In his remarks, Senator Reid applauded Amomix for taking advantage of a tax credit in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to “put nearly 300 Nevadans to work.”

Said Senator Harry Reid, “Amonix offers the perfect example of how the Recovery Act is helping Nevada businesses and the clean energy industry expand and thrive. Nearly 300 Nevadans will find work in this developing industry that is diversifying our state’s economy so that we don’t fall victim to another economic downturn. I am pleased that Amonix has signed a lease and will be putting Nevadans to work this year.”

Said Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, “The future of renewable energy manufacturing is happening right here, right now in North Las Vegas. The Amonix commitment to Nevada will help propel ongoing efforts to make the Silver State a world leader in solar production while also creating local jobs and promoting economic growth.”

Amonix solar power systems have been installed at three locations in Nevada, including at the SNWA River Mountains Water Treatment Facility, on the campus of UNLV and at Nevada Energy’s Clark Generation Station. The company will use its new North Las Vegas facility to manufacture solar power systems for additional installations in Nevada and for export to neighboring states. In addition, the new manufacturing facility will be powered by an Amonix 7700 System as part of its electrical power source.

Said Brian Robertson, CEO of Amonix, “We thank Mayor Buck, as well Senate Majority Leader Reid and Congresswoman Berkley, who have helped make this day a reality. Amonix chose this site because our CPV solar systems are ideal for sunny and dry climates like Nevada. This plant puts additional capacity in close proximity to where many of our systems will be installed.”

When at full capacity, the manufacturing plant will operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week, turning out solar equipment with a production capacity of 150MWs annually, the equivalent, according to Robertson, of NV Energy’s stake in the recently cancelled coal plant at the Mohave Generating Station.

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New Tests Reveal that BioSolar’s BioBacksheet Improves Solar Panel Efficiency and Power Output
SANTA CLARITA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BioSolar, Inc. (OTCBB: BSRC), developer of a breakthrough technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, reports that rigorous testing by an independent authority reveals that BioBacksheet can actually improve the power output of solar panels by dissipating heat faster.

The efficiency of a PV module is determined by the percentage of the incoming solar radiation that is converted to electricity within the solar panel. The efficiency of popular silicon solar cells decreases dramatically as the temperature of the module increases. According to tests performed in June by ThermTest, Inc, a leading independent authority in thermo physical measurements and instrumentation, BioBacksheet’s measured thermal conductivity was 70 percent higher than the current petroleum based backsheets.

The higher thermal conductivity of the materials used to make the BioBacksheet allows the heat that builds up from solar exposure to be more effectively dissipated into the surrounding air. Thus the higher thermal conductivity contributes to a lower operating temperature within the PV module, directly leading to higher energy efficiency and improved power output for PV modules incorporating a BioBacksheet.

“We were pleasantly surprised by this finding. We designed the BioBacksheet with the goal of being green, lower cost and higher durability. But now, BioBacksheet has a much more valuable feature – improved power output. We are working closely with one of our partners to optimize the integration of BioBacksheet with their panels to improve efficiency and lower cost. We have just attended the InterSolar 2010 Conference and met with a number of panel manufacturers. The interest in BioBacksheet was very high and confirmed for our team that we truly have a breakthrough product,” said Dr. David Lee, Chief Executive Officer of BioSolar.

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Federal Correctional Facilities Working With Constellation Energy to Improve Energy Efficiency and Deploy Renewables
BALTIMORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG) today announced that its energy projects and services division is completing the development and construction of two comprehensive energy projects at federal correctional institutions in Fairton, N.J., and Petersburg, Va. Both projects combine energy and water conservation measures and also incorporate renewable technologies to reduce utility costs and improve sustainability of the facilities. Structured as energy savings performance contracts, the combined annual cost savings of more than $2.2 million created by the guaranteed reductions in energy and water usage will be used to finance the infrastructure upgrades of both projects.   

“All of our federal customers are seeking new ways to reduce energy usage and costs and green their operations without incurring significant capital improvement costs,” said Michael D. Smith, senior vice president of green initiatives for Constellation NewEnergy. “Constellation Energy can apply the resources and expertise of a leading, national energy services company to develop comprehensive energy programs that address and exceed all federal mandates for conservation and deployment of renewables. Best of all, through the federal energy savings performance contract model, these improvements pay for themselves over the term of the contract.”

For FCI Fairton, N.J., Constellation Energy combined a solar photovoltaic power system with facility-wide electrical upgrades, efficient lighting, smart energy controls, water conservation measures, and improvements to the boiler and chiller plants. Constellation Energy estimates that the combined projects will result in FCI Fairton reducing energy use by 27 percent and water use by 42 percent, creating more than $800,000 in estimated annual energy cost saving. The new FCI Fairton solar installation generates 400 kilowatts of electricity. Generating the same amount of power from fossil fuel sources would result in the annual release of 500 tons of carbon dioxide, 3,800 pounds of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide.

At FCC Petersburg, Va., Constellation Energy installed an on-site biomass heating system—the first such system at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility—as well as a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, and a geothermal heat pump system. FCC Petersburg expects to save 70 million gallons of water annually through new efficiency infrastructure and reduce energy usage by 34 billion Btu, resulting in $1.4 million in annual cost savings. The renewable systems deployed at FCC Petersburg are estimated to avoid the release of more than 5,800 pounds of nitrogen oxide and 3,400 tons of carbon dioxide over the life of the project. FCC Petersburg will also be using a fleet of electric vehicles at the facility to further reduce emissions.

Constellation Energy has developed an expertise in implementing energy conservation measures for correctional facilities. In addition to federal correctional sites, Constellation Energy has worked with state and county prison systems. As a result of this experience, Constellation Energy factors in the unique requirements of working in continuous security environments during project planning and construction.

FCI Fairton is a medium security facility for male inmates. It also has an adjacent satellite prison camp housing minimum security male inmates. FCI Fairton is located in rural south central New Jersey, 50 miles southeast of Philadelphia, Pa., and 40 miles west of Atlantic City, N.J. The FCC Petersburg Correctional Complex consists of both low security and medium security facilities housing male inmates. FCC Petersburg is located 25 miles southeast of Richmond, Va. Both FCC Petersburg and FCI Fairton are part of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Federal Correctional Facilities Working With Constellation Energy to Improve Energy Efficiency and Deploy Renewables
BALTIMORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Constellation Energy (NYSE: CEG) today announced that its energy projects and services division is completing the development and construction of two comprehensive energy projects at federal correctional institutions in Fairton, N.J., and Petersburg, Va. Both projects combine energy and water conservation measures and also incorporate renewable technologies to reduce utility costs and improve sustainability of the facilities. Structured as energy savings performance contracts, the combined annual cost savings of more than $2.2 million created by the guaranteed reductions in energy and water usage will be used to finance the infrastructure upgrades of both projects.   

“All of our federal customers are seeking new ways to reduce energy usage and costs and green their operations without incurring significant capital improvement costs,” said Michael D. Smith, senior vice president of green initiatives for Constellation NewEnergy. “Constellation Energy can apply the resources and expertise of a leading, national energy services company to develop comprehensive energy programs that address and exceed all federal mandates for conservation and deployment of renewables. Best of all, through the federal energy savings performance contract model, these improvements pay for themselves over the term of the contract.”

For FCI Fairton, N.J., Constellation Energy combined a solar photovoltaic power system with facility-wide electrical upgrades, efficient lighting, smart energy controls, water conservation measures, and improvements to the boiler and chiller plants. Constellation Energy estimates that the combined projects will result in FCI Fairton reducing energy use by 27 percent and water use by 42 percent, creating more than $800,000 in estimated annual energy cost saving. The new FCI Fairton solar installation generates 400 kilowatts of electricity. Generating the same amount of power from fossil fuel sources would result in the annual release of 500 tons of carbon dioxide, 3,800 pounds of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide.

At FCC Petersburg, Va., Constellation Energy installed an on-site biomass heating system—the first such system at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility—as well as a rooftop solar photovoltaic system, and a geothermal heat pump system. FCC Petersburg expects to save 70 million gallons of water annually through new efficiency infrastructure and reduce energy usage by 34 billion Btu, resulting in $1.4 million in annual cost savings. The renewable systems deployed at FCC Petersburg are estimated to avoid the release of more than 5,800 pounds of nitrogen oxide and 3,400 tons of carbon dioxide over the life of the project. FCC Petersburg will also be using a fleet of electric vehicles at the facility to further reduce emissions.

Constellation Energy has developed an expertise in implementing energy conservation measures for correctional facilities. In addition to federal correctional sites, Constellation Energy has worked with state and county prison systems. As a result of this experience, Constellation Energy factors in the unique requirements of working in continuous security environments during project planning and construction.

FCI Fairton is a medium security facility for male inmates. It also has an adjacent satellite prison camp housing minimum security male inmates. FCI Fairton is located in rural south central New Jersey, 50 miles southeast of Philadelphia, Pa., and 40 miles west of Atlantic City, N.J. The FCC Petersburg Correctional Complex consists of both low security and medium security facilities housing male inmates. FCC Petersburg is located 25 miles southeast of Richmond, Va. Both FCC Petersburg and FCI Fairton are part of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, an agency of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Borrego Solar Systems Secures Financing for $20 Million Solar Energy Project from U.S. Bank and East West Bank
EL CAJON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., a leading designer and installer of grid-tied commercial and public-sector solar electric power systems, today announced that it secured financing from U.S. Bank and East West Bank to finance an approximately $20 million solar energy project for the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD)—the first to be financed through Borrego Solar’s power purchase agreement (PPA). The 2.8-MW system will consist of nine solar arrays to be installed at six locations across the SDCCD campuses. The majority of the project cost will be funded through financial commitments from East West Bank and U.S. Bank, and the remainder will be contributed by the PPA fund launched in 2009 by Walsin Lihwa, a current investor in Borrego Solar.   

“We are excited to create this new relationship with Borrego, a company that brings significant industry expertise and a strong pipeline of solar installation projects,” said Darren Van’t Hof, Director of Renewable Energy Investments for U.S. Bank. “We look forward to working with Borrego on future projects as U.S. Bank continues its commitment to investing in solar energy.”

“Borrego Solar demonstrated that it is an ideal investment partner by presenting us with the shovel-ready SDCCD project, a signed PPA contract and the support of the Walsin Lihwa PPA fund along with U.S. Bank’s equity investment. With this infrastructure in place, we were able to quickly agree to contract terms and closing. We look forward to working with Borrego and Walsin Lihwa on this and future projects as East West Bank continues to pursue its Green Initiative,” said K.Y. Cheng, Executive Vice President, East West Bank.

By financing through Borrego Solar’s PPA, the SDCCD and other customers will be able to reap the benefits of solar energy without incurring upfront capital costs or operational expenses. Under the terms of the 20-year agreement with the SDCCD, Borrego Solar will build, operate and maintain the solar systems, selling the energy to the SDCCD at rates that are approximately 18 percent less than the rates charged by San Diego Gas & Electric—resulting in a savings of more than $110,000 annually.

“Financing a solar energy system using a PPA has emerged as an extremely appealing option for customers. We have seen a tremendous uptick in demand since introducing our PPA model, especially as expiring government grant programs and shrinking state rebates have stalled a number of projects,” said Mike Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar. “The investments from U.S. Bank and East West Bank for our project with the SDCCD validate the long-term viability of Borrego’s PPA offering and illustrate our value proposition as a ‘one stop shop’ for solar design, construction, maintenance and now financing. We look forward to working with them to develop our portfolio which currently consists of more than 50 MW of projects.”

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Borrego Solar Systems Secures Financing for $20 Million Solar Energy Project from U.S. Bank and East West Bank
EL CAJON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., a leading designer and installer of grid-tied commercial and public-sector solar electric power systems, today announced that it secured financing from U.S. Bank and East West Bank to finance an approximately $20 million solar energy project for the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD)—the first to be financed through Borrego Solar’s power purchase agreement (PPA). The 2.8-MW system will consist of nine solar arrays to be installed at six locations across the SDCCD campuses. The majority of the project cost will be funded through financial commitments from East West Bank and U.S. Bank, and the remainder will be contributed by the PPA fund launched in 2009 by Walsin Lihwa, a current investor in Borrego Solar.   

“We are excited to create this new relationship with Borrego, a company that brings significant industry expertise and a strong pipeline of solar installation projects,” said Darren Van’t Hof, Director of Renewable Energy Investments for U.S. Bank. “We look forward to working with Borrego on future projects as U.S. Bank continues its commitment to investing in solar energy.”

“Borrego Solar demonstrated that it is an ideal investment partner by presenting us with the shovel-ready SDCCD project, a signed PPA contract and the support of the Walsin Lihwa PPA fund along with U.S. Bank’s equity investment. With this infrastructure in place, we were able to quickly agree to contract terms and closing. We look forward to working with Borrego and Walsin Lihwa on this and future projects as East West Bank continues to pursue its Green Initiative,” said K.Y. Cheng, Executive Vice President, East West Bank.

By financing through Borrego Solar’s PPA, the SDCCD and other customers will be able to reap the benefits of solar energy without incurring upfront capital costs or operational expenses. Under the terms of the 20-year agreement with the SDCCD, Borrego Solar will build, operate and maintain the solar systems, selling the energy to the SDCCD at rates that are approximately 18 percent less than the rates charged by San Diego Gas & Electric—resulting in a savings of more than $110,000 annually.

“Financing a solar energy system using a PPA has emerged as an extremely appealing option for customers. We have seen a tremendous uptick in demand since introducing our PPA model, especially as expiring government grant programs and shrinking state rebates have stalled a number of projects,” said Mike Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar. “The investments from U.S. Bank and East West Bank for our project with the SDCCD validate the long-term viability of Borrego’s PPA offering and illustrate our value proposition as a ‘one stop shop’ for solar design, construction, maintenance and now financing. We look forward to working with them to develop our portfolio which currently consists of more than 50 MW of projects.”

Visit the original post at: Solar Power News