SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kyocera Solar, Inc. and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest today announced the completion of a 1.4 megawatt (MW) solar electric system on the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, just north of San Diego, Calif. NAVFAC Southwest celebrated the completion of the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on February 3.
Composed of 6,300 KD235 modules produced locally at Kyocera’s San Diego facility, the solar electric system represents the largest photovoltaic (PV) system on a Marine Corps base — and ranks among the largest solar installations in San Diego County.
Through a partnership with AEE Solar, San Diego-based integrator Synergy Electric Company installed the 225 panel solar system that stands on the site of the Box Canyon landfill — effectively transforming unusable land into a site producing clean energy.
Global engineering firm AECOM led the design of the project, including geotechnical, civil and photovoltaic system design. “AECOM incorporated numerous design elements to address the unique environmental and engineering challenges of the landfill site,” said AECOM Project Manager David Cyr. “We are proud to have contributed to the success of this significant project.”
The ground-mounted system feeds Camp Pendleton’s electric grid and is expected to produce about 2,400 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually, enough electricity to power 400 average homes. NAVFAC anticipates the renewable energy conversion will save the Marine Corps $336,000 yearly in electricity costs while more than tripling its previous solar energy capacity.
“The Box Canyon PV project is a very exciting venture that is making use of a previously unusable piece of real estate, and providing a renewable energy source to help Camp Pendleton meet its on-site renewable energy generation goals,” said Bernadette Rose, NAVFAC Southwest ROICC Construction Manager at Camp Pendleton.
The Camp Pendleton project demonstrates the growing demand for solar electricity. To meet the increasing market demand in the U.S., Kyocera began manufacturing solar panels at its San Diego production facility in June 2010.
“This sizable solar installation and the Marine Corps’ sustainable energy goals demonstrate its commitment to environmental preservation and advancing national security through energy independence,” stated Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc.
About KYOCERA
Kyocera Solar, Inc. (http://www.kyocerasolar.com) is a world-leading supplier of environmentally sound, solar electric energy solutions. With operating headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz. and regional sales centers in the U.S., Brazil and Australia, Kyocera Solar, Inc. serves thousands of customers in both developed and developing regions. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kyocera International, Inc. of San Diego, the North American headquarters and holding company for Kyoto, Japan-based Kyocera Corporation.
Kyocera Corporation (NYSE:KYO) (TOKYO:6971) (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera Corporation has become a leading supplier of solar electric generating systems, telecommunications equipment, copiers, printers, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2010, the company’s net sales totaled 1.07 trillion yen (approximately USD11.5 billion). Kyocera marked its 50th anniversary in 2009, and the 40th anniversary of its U.S. operations. It is ranked #554 on Forbes magazine’s 2010 “Global 2000” listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.
Innovation, Leadership, Performance
The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) manages the planning, design, construction, contingency engineering, real estate, environmental, and public works support for U.S. Navy shore facilities around the world. We provide the Navy's forces with the operating, expeditionary, support and training bases they need. NAVFAC is a global organization with an annual volume of business in excess of $18 billion. As a major Navy Systems Command and an integral member of the Navy and Marine Corps team, NAVFAC delivers timely and effective facilities engineering solutions worldwide. Additional updates and information about NAVFAC can be found on social media sites Facebook and Twitter. Become a Fan at www.facebook.com/navfac and follow us at www.twitter.com/navfac.
About AECOM
AECOM (NYSE:ACM) is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 52,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation, and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world's built, natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 100 countries and had revenue of $6.5 billion during its fiscal year 2010. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com.