FULLERTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--REC Solar, a leading provider of home, commercial and government solar electric systems in the United States, and AECOM Technology Corporation as the Design Builder, today unveiled a 1.16MW installation at the California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) campus. Local politicians and solar advocates attended a flip-the-switch event to celebrate the completion of three solar systems REC Solar installed on the rooftops of two CSU Fullerton buildings and a parking structure carport under contract to AECOM. The CSUF installation also includes solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to maximize the university’s sustainability efforts.
Combined, the systems will produce 1.6 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually — equivalent to reducing 26,422 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, or eliminating 5,181 passenger vehicles from the road over the next 25 years. As part of the agreement announced in October 2008, CSUF will be one of 16 Cal State University sites to host a total of 20 megawatts of solar power throughout the state.
“California's continued economic, environmental and social prosperity depends on sustainable energy and technology,” said Dr. Willie Hagan, Interim President of California State University, Fullerton. “With today’s celebratory completion of the California State University, Fullerton installation, we are demonstrating our commitment to derive more of our energy from renewable sources. A fiscally responsible endeavor, CSUF is saving energy and reducing costs, while setting the bar for other universities to aspire to.”
The solar carport system installed atop the Eastside Parking Structure on the southeast corner of campus will provide power to six Coulomb Technologies EV charging stations supplied by Charge Harbor LLC. On the forefront of a rapidly growing trend, the solar-powered EV charging carports will provide clean, renewable energy for emissions-free vehicles, highlighting the rapidly growing convergence between the two sustainability movements.
“By installing electric vehicle charging stations from Charge Harbor LLC, CSU Fullerton enables everyone on campus to participate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Ryan Grady, President, Charge Harbor LLC. “Commuting to campus in a plug-in vehicle can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 70 percent – we are honored to be part of this effort.”
AECOM Technology Corporation (NYSE: ACM), leading provider of professional technical services worldwide, was the prime contractor for the solar project and has been working on the CSUF campus for more than five years. Having completed numerous energy efficiency projects on campus, Angelo Esposito, Regional Energy Business Line Manager for AECOM, said, “We are proud to have been part of this campus’ success in becoming a model for energy efficiency and sustainability.”
AECOM selected leading solar power installer REC Solar for its substantial experience in constructing solar PV systems at government-owned installations. “State facilities are in a unique and challenging position because they face state and federal mandates for renewable energy,” said Burke Kascha-Hare, Director of Federal Business Development for REC Solar. “We are pleased to be instrumental in helping CSU Fullerton meet its aggressive renewable energy goals.”
The three systems, totaling 1.16 megawatts in size, feature 4,956 REC Peak Energy Series Panels from global solar panel manufacturing leader REC Group.
Attendees at the commissioning ceremony held today at CSU Fullerton included Fullerton City Manager Joe Felz and representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Ed Royce and California State Senator Bob Huff. Representatives from the installation partners were also in attendance including CSU Fullerton, REC Solar, AECOM, Charge Harbor LLC and Southern California Edison, among others.
About California State University, Fullerton
A comprehensive, regional university with a global outlook, Cal State Fullerton enrolls more than 33,000 students and offers 105 degree programs in eight colleges. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Cal State Fullerton is one of the largest universities in the 23-campus California State University system. It is ninth in the nation for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to minority students and first in California for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to Hispanics. Learn more about the university at the CSUF Web site: www.fullerton.edu.
About AECOM
AECOM 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 45,000 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 approximately 125 countries and had revenue of $8.0 billion during its fiscal year 2011. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at http://www.aecom.com.
About REC Solar
REC Solar, a subsidiary of Mainstream Energy Corporation, is an industry leading solar power provider specializing in grid-tied residential, commercial and government installations. With a local presence in all major solar markets in the USA and thousands of kilowatts installed, REC Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient processes, innovative products and outstanding customer service. REC Solar has more than a dozen offices in six states (California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Arizona and New Jersey) supporting solar power projects in fourteen states. For additional information on REC Solar visit www.recsolar.com or call 888.OK.SOLAR (888.657.6527).