RCAC Home Page >
News and Publications >
RCAC reduces energy needs with rooftop solar system
January 21, 2011
Rooftop modules are mounted on RCAC's West Sacramento corporate office rooftop as part of the photovoltaic system.
RCAC is pleased to announce a new rooftop-mounted photovoltaic system in its West Sacramento office. The 83.5 kW system is projected to produce 121,233 kWh annually, essentially offsetting more than 60 percent of RCAC’s energy needs during the next 25 years.
The seven inverters (pictured in the center far back) convert DC power collected by the modules into AC power.
RCAC contracted with Valley Solar, Inc., a small business vendor, to design and install the system. The 371 modules mounted on the rooftop each have capacity to produce 225 watts, and seven inverters convert the power.
“With this system, just like other top-of-the-line photovoltaic (PV) systems of today, the roof-mounted modules take in sunlight and converts that into DC power, and the inverters convert the DC power into AC power,” said Brad Price, president of Valley Solar. “The AC power then goes to supply the energy needs of the office, thereby reducing the electricity purchased from Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).” PG&E issued permission to operate the PV system last Friday.
The system cost is close to $384,000 but RCAC qualified for an estimated $90,000 rebate from the California Solar Initiative program. The rebate, which is based on system performance, will be received in monthly payments over the next five years.
“Modeling green practices is a priority for RCAC and it is a goal in our current strategic plan,” said Stanley Keasling, RCAC’s chief executive officer. “The completion of this system is just one of many ways the organization reduces its carbon footprint. We will continue to find new avenues to conserve energy, recycle and help the environment.”
To view the system’s real-time energy production and the related energy savings click here >>
Back