City Completes First Solar Program at Wastewater Treatment Plant
City of Hanford and Chevron Energy Solutions announced completion of a transformative solar program expected to reduce energy costs at the city's wastewater treatment plant and save more than $7 million over the program's life. The installation uses a one-megawatt ground-mounted single-axis solar tracking system, which automatically positions solar panels towards the sun.
"The City of Hanford's future is brighter because of this project and the vision of sustainability it helps fulfill," said Sue Sorensen, Mayor of the City of Hanford. "We are grateful to Chevron Energy Solutions for their dedication and for bringing in the necessary partners, such as Bank of America and Southern California Edison, to help provide energy-efficient equipment, project financing and incentives."
The program is expected to cut the City of Hanford's electrical utility purchases by nearly 50 percent at the wastewater treatment plant and offset annual carbon emissions by nearly 1,000 metric tons, an amount equal to removing about 200 cars from the road each year. Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered and installed the solar system, and will perform operation and maintenance services for the City.
"We are proud to work with the City of Hanford, which is building on a vision of sustainability and energy conservation," said Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions. "Today's ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations in the city - one we believe will allow the community to experience the benefits of clean power in a way that uses its financial resources responsibly and sustainably."
The project completion will be commemorated today at noon during a dedication ceremony at the city's wastewater treatment plant (10555 Houston Avenue) in Hanford. City government, business and community officials are expected to participate. Southern California Edison is expected to present a rebate check exceeding $1.6 million to the City of Hanford from the California Solar Initiative incentive program.