Brea, California to Save Big with Solar Energy

The city of Brea and Chevron Energy Solutions, the renewable arm of the oil and gas conglomerate, are partnering to install 1.8 megawatts of municipal solar power. The solar energy is expected to cut Brea’s conventional energy consumption by 40 percent and save the city $13 million over the 25- to 30-year lifespan of the system.

Upon installation, Brea will be the largest municipal user of solar power in Orange County. The solar panels will be installed at the Community Center, Civic and Cultural Center and the Reservoir City Pump Yard. Chevron Energy Solutions will design, build, install, operate, monitor and maintain the systems for the city. Also included in the project are citywide streetlight upgrades, interior and exterior lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades and implementation of new energy management technologies to maximize energy savings from the solar installations.

“The City of Brea is proud to work with Chevron Energy Solutions to save taxpayer dollars by reducing our energy use,” said Brea Mayor Ron Garcia. “This project also helps Brea attain early compliance with goals of the Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) by reducing our energy use.” AB 32 demands that the state reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and if the bill survives a referendum this November, will institute a cap on carbon emissions in California.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2011. Data from the project, including the amount of solar electricity being produced, will be made available through a display at the Brea Community Center and on the city’s website.

Via PR Newswire
Photo Credit: FastCompany

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