SPG Solar sees activation of pair of PV power systems in Napa, San Diego

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  One of five solar carports installed on the PLNU campus by SPG Solar. Image: PR Web

SPG Solar has finalized a new set of solar systems in California. The company, working with Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) installed a 1MW ground and rooftop solar system at Napa Valley Unified School District’s American Canyon High School and additionally installed a 620kW PV and 54kW solar thermal hot water system at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) in San Diego.

The 1MW project in Napa is said to be able to produce up to 80% of American Canyon High School’s electricity at full occupancy. The solar panels, which were noted as being American made, are mounted on the school’s roof and on a fixed-tilt ground-mount system. They will produce over 1.1 million kilowatt hours of solar electricity per year for the school.

In addition to its Napa solar array accomplishment, SPG Solar advised that its solar installations at PLNU were celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The company designed, engineered and constructed the 620kW system, which is spread across two rooftops and five solar carports. The system uses Kyocera KD 235W solar panels and features a PPA financed through Perpetual Energy Systems wherein PLNU will purchase the electricity produced at a predetermined rate for 20 years.

“PLNU strives to be forward thinking and take a leadership role in sustainability efforts and environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Bob Brower, president of PLNU. “The stewardship of resources is one of our core values. It was through the strong partnership with Kyocera, SPG Solar, Perpetual Energy Systems, and Adroit Solar that we were able to expand our solar portfolio.”

A 54kW solar water heating system by Adroit Solar was also installed at the PLNU campus. The solar water heating system is expected to provide around 940 gallons of hot water a day to student dorms while saving the university US$5,000 per year on utility bills.

Both PLNU projects, which combined feature over 2,600 Kyocera solar panels, are projected to create over 917,000kWh of electricity every year and save the university up to US$1.6 million over 20 years.