Wastewater Treatment Facility Solar Electric System

Solar Electric System Facts
Background
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Since 2010, the one-megawatt solar electric system at the city's 75th Street Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) has generated more than three million kilowatt-hours of energy, saving city ratepayers more than $75,000. This power output represents approximately 101 percent of the system's energy-generation potential and helps to offset the power requirements of the city's largest energy user.

The solar power system has operated with marked efficiency and reliability, providing approximately 15 percent of the WWTF's annual energy needs. On a clear, sunny day, the system can provide up to 67 percent of the plant's total power requirements.

WWTF solar electric system facts

One megawatt of solar photovoltaic panels.
The system is comprised of 4,464 solar panels, each with a maximum power output of 225 watts.
Each solar panel is approximately 14 percent efficient.
The solar electric system generates approximately 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of power per year.

If that same power was generated from coal, it would consume approximately 1.5 million pounds of coal per year, which would produce:

Approximately five million pounds of carbon dioxide;
Approximately 6,300 pounds of sulfur dioxide; and
Approximately 6,200 pounds of nitrous oxide.

Background

In 2007, the City of Boulder worked with EyeOn Energy Ltd., a local company, to serve as the lead solar developer of a one-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system with funding from Xcel Energy's Solar Rewards Program.

EyeOn Energy was awarded a solar renewable energy credit contract from Xcel Energy that subsidized the project and enabled the city to purchase renewable energy at an affordable rate. EyeOn entered into a power purchase agreement with the city to provide power for a 20-year period.

EyeOn Energy contracted with SOLON Corp. to design, build and supply the project's PV modules. Midway through construction, SOLON assumed ownership of the facility and completed construction. Upon completion, Sun Edison Corp. purchased the facility from SOLON and currently owns, operates and maintains the solar power system.

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Contact

For more information about the solar electric system at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, contact Wastewater Treatment Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 303-413-7341.

Last Updated on Thursday, 25 April 2013 12:01