TMCnet News
Monterey Regional Airport "Flips the Switch" on Solar Project Expected to Save $5.5 Million in Energy CostsMONTEREY, Calif., Sept. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) celebrated the completion of its new, on-site solar program during a "flip the switch" event connecting a field of solar panels beside the runway to the electricity grid last Thursday, September 21, 2017. Through a collaborative partnership with OpTerra Energy Services, MRY's new clean energy generation capacity represents a new chapter in the airport's innovative approach to enhancing the environmental impact of its facilities. Statewide leaders from the California Energy Commission as well as regional and local elected officials attended in support of the new sustainable energy project, which is expected to save MRY $5.5 million in energy savings. Energizing Impact for Travelers and Community Members Monterey Regional Airport leaders collaborated with a San Jose and Salinas-based team of OpTerra engineers to develop the 826 kW solar program that will produce 1.5 million kWh of clean energy annually, the equivalent to providing enough electricity to power 111 homes a year. Airport leaders supported the opportunity to upgrade their energy profile to generate a positive environmental change, while also benefiting regional community members through stimulation of the local economy with an estimated 42 local jobs created by the total economic impact of the project. Maximizing Technology Solutions for Safety and Savings Because aircrafts may fly near the project area and potentially be exposed to glint and glare from solar operations, OpTerra has conducted and submitted three FAA-approved glare studies that show the compatibility of similar PV electricity generation arrays with airport functions. The installation is not only sensitive to not interfering with flights, but is also California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)-compliant, ensuring the organic regeneration of the federally protected endemic vegetation on site as well. As part of the installation, OpTerra coordinated Net Energy Metering (NEM) and Net Generation Output Meter (NGOM) technology implementation with regional utility Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). The ground-mounted solar system that was activated last week was designed to track the movement of the sun throughout the day, ensuring maximum renewable energy production and streamlined costs using the proven tracking technology. By installing the system under NEM, the District will receive full compensation from PG&E for all the electricity generated by the solar projects at any time. Demonstrating Leadership for Regional Airports Airport Executive Director Michael La Pier echoed, "With this comprehensive solar installation, Monterey Regional Airport is paving the way for other mid-size airports looking to upgrade their operations and establish on-site energy generation. Our partnership with OpTerra and the California Energy Commission is helping us realize our long-term sustainability and energy efficiency goals without compromising our vision for upholding high standards of safety and customer service at all times. We sincerely appreciate the help and assistance of Assemblymember Mark Stone and his staff in this effort. Without their help, this project would have been extremely difficult to complete." About the Monterey Regional Airport: About OpTerra Energy Services:
View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-regional-airport-flips-the-switch-on-solar-project-expected-to-save-55-million-in-energy-costs-300526227.html SOURCE OpTerra Energy Services |