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| First-ever Solar Grove, unleashing "Power of the Sun" for parking facilities  Kyocera today announced that it will hold a public dedication for its first-ever Solar Grove(TM); an array of 25 "solar trees"(TM) that converts a 186-vehicle parking lot into a 235-kilowatt solar electric generating system -- on Friday, June 24, 2005 at its North American headquarters and Kearny Mesa plant, located at 8611 Balboa Avenue in San Diego. The Solar Grove will serve as a symbol of Kyocera's goal to make the San Diego/Tijuana region an important hub in North America's solar energy industry. Its unique concept models the life process of natural trees by converting sunlight into energy without adding carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases to the atmosphere -- while providing structures that are both shade-producing and aesthetically pleasing.The system's 25 "solar trees" form a carport in an employee parking lot, utilizing a total of 1,400 Kyocera KC-187G solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and 200 custom-manufactured, light-filtering PV modules. The system's capacity of 235 kilowatts -- capable of generating 421,000 kilowatt hours per year -- will be equivalent to the electrical needs of 68 typical San Diego homes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Power Profiler, generating this amount of electricity through conventional fossil fuel resources would annually release 338,905 pounds of carbon dioxide, a suspected contributor to global warming; 421 pounds of nitrous oxide, which has been linked to the destruction of the Earth's ozone layer; and 253 pounds of sulfur dioxide, the principal contributor to acid rain. The economic viability of this project is supported by the California Public Utilities Commission's "Self Generation Incentive Program, " which will cover approximately 36% of the system's purchase and installation costs; as well as federal and state tax credits, and a five-year accelerated depreciation schedule. The standard Kyocera solar modules used in the Solar Grove are covered by a 25-year manufacturer's warranty, and Kyocera anticipates that the Solar Grove will pay for itself within 12 years. From the distinctive architectural design to the surrounding landscaping, the Solar Grove is meant to exemplify Kyocera's commitment to promoting harmony between our planet and all living things. With this in mind, Kyocera commissioned the architecture firm of Tucker Sadler to design the Solar Grove. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Construction News :: home page |