The onsite solar installations will generate nearly
$6 million in net utility bill
savings
MARTINEZ, Calif., June 20,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Contra Costa
Sanitary District (Central San) and nationwide solar provider REC
Solar announce the completion of a 2.16 megawatt (MW) solar array
near Central San's treatment plant in Martinez, Calif.
By harnessing the power of the sun, the array will generate
clean, renewable energy and help offset most of the annual grid
demand of Central San's treatment plant and major pumping
stations.
The solar array will also help the wastewater utility eliminate
1,865 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent
to removing 444 gasoline-powered vehicles from the roads each year.
This milestone marks a significant achievement for Central San
as it continues to reach its economic and environmental stewardship
goals.
"This project is a win-win," said Central San Resource Recovery
Program Manager Melody LaBella. "It
will achieve substantial savings for Central San's ratepayers,
while also reducing our climate footprint and furthering our
mission to protect the environment."
One of Central San's key objectives, identified in its
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, is to optimize energy
production and use while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Central San hired ARC Alternatives to explore avenues for
expanding its solar photovoltaic (PV) footprint and identify energy
efficiency opportunities at its facilities. This would, in part,
help Central San facilitate saving opportunities for the District
and its customers.
REC Solar designed, engineered, procured and constructed the
2.16 MW ground mount solar array on a repurposed portion of a
48-acre buffer property near Central San's Martinez wastewater treatment plant.
Central San and REC Solar also worked closely with the existing
tenant and the surrounding community to ensure the low-impact solar
project had minimal disruption to the land and was not visible to
the neighboring residents. The low-profile, fixed-tilt ground mount
array was designed to be optimal in both production and cost.
"We're thrilled to have collaborated and partnered with Central
San and ARC Alternatives on a solar project that is helping the
District reach both its economic and sustainability goals," said
REC Solar CEO Robb Jetty. "This
project is a clear example of how solar -- particularly when
financed as a power purchase agreement -- can deliver real value to
organizations and the surrounding communities, and we look forward
to continuing to see the impact this project will have in the
future."
The project was financed as a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement
(PPA), allowing Central San to shift the project from a costly
capital expense to a predictable monthly payment with no price
escalation. As part of the agreement, REC Solar will continue to
operate and maintain the solar array over the life of the PPA.
The array is estimated to generate nearly $6 million in net electricity bill savings for
Central San and its ratepayers over the next 25 years.
"We've contracted with an experienced solar vendor to design,
construct, own, operate and maintain the array—all at a fixed cost
to Central San," LaBella said. "We're excited to flip the switch on
a project that will provide ongoing benefit for Central San, our
customers, and the environment."
About REC Solar
Founded in 1997, REC Solar has emerged as one of the nation's
leading solar energy integrators. Renowned for its integrity and
high-quality standards, REC Solar's portfolio includes solar and
energy storage projects for top U.S. commercial enterprises,
including manufacturers, retailers, schools, universities,
municipal entities and more. REC Solar's customers enjoy a seamless
end-to-end experience that includes zero-upfront-cost financing and
predictable monthly payments as well as long-term and worry-free
development, ownership, operation and maintenance of solar and
storage projects. With decades of experience embedded in every
project, REC Solar is committed to providing every customer with
the same integrity and high-quality solutions and services that
have made it a trusted solar company for the past 25+ years. Learn
more about REC Solar at recsolar.com.
About Central San
Central San's mission is to protect public health and the
environment through safe and effective wastewater collection,
cleaning, and disposal. It also operates a Household Hazardous
Waste Collection Facility, provides recycled water for landscape
irrigation, and promotes pollution prevention through various
educational, informational, and inspection programs. Central San
serves nearly 500,000 residents and over 15,000 businesses over 146
square miles in the central Contra Costa
County area.
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SOURCE REC Solar