Solar power system completed in Yolo County, CA

SunPower Corp. and Bank of America completed the design and construction of a 1-megawatt solar power system at the Yolo County Justice Campus in Woodland, CA. The County, who also owns the associated renewable energy credits, is financing the purchase using multiple funding sources, including clean renewable energy bonds and qualified energy conservation bonds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. SunPower assisted Yolo County in securing a 15-year loan from the California Energy Commission, along with subsidized bonds.

"With the funding we secured as a result of the 2009 federal stimulus bill and the California Energy Commission loan, Yolo County has no out-of-pocket expenses to build this project, and will be net cash flow positive from the first day of the system's operation," Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Helen M. Thomson says in the press release. "Savings over the next 25 years are estimated to be about $8.8 million, directly benefiting Yolo County residents and businesses. State and federal funding has helped make solar power an easy, affordable means to reduce county operational costs as well as our dependence on fossil fuels."

"This may be the first solar project to make use of the federal stimulus legislation's clean energy renewable bonds, established last year, and among the first large-scale solar projects to be funded by a California Energy Commission loan. Yolo County is using the federal and state funding to save money, create jobs and produce clean energy for years to come," Bill Kelly, managing director at SunPower, says in the press release. "We are thrilled to be supporting the county with the implementation of SunPower's proven, high performing technology, ensuring impressive savings for years to come."

The solar power system was completed six weeks ahead of schedule and uses SunPower solar panels and their Tracker System to follow the sun’s movement during the day to get the most sunlight capture.

Photo courtesy of Martin Nemec