By Cinthia Rodriguez – El Observador

On Aril 27, the City of San Jose, DRI Energy and SunEdison celebrated the activation of over 5,300 solar panels at San Jose’s Central Service Yard.

On October 2007, Mayor Chuck Reed introduced San Jose’s Green Vision, comprised of ten goals related to jobs, energy, water, waste, trees, and transportation. This 15-year plan includes the creation of 25,000 clean tech jobs, becoming a zero waste city, and installing 100,000 solar roofs.

The solar deployment consists of multiple solar power systems mounted on rooftop and carport/canopy structures at the City’s Central Service Yard.

“We were very excited to be partners with the city of San Jose,” said Matthew Dickey, managing director of sales, SunEdison.

The project was made possible through a strategic solar power service agreement in which SunEdison financed, will operate, monitor and maintain the solar deployment for 20 years. DRI Energy was responsible for engineering and construction of the system.

“This project brings us one step closer to our Green Vision goal of receiving 100 percent our electricity from clean, renewable sources,” said Mayor Chuck Reed. “The city will also be able to reduce long-term energy costs at the Central Service Yard, without spending any money on the upfront capital investment.”

Although SunEdison financed the project, the city will purchase the energy produced at long-term predictable energy rates. In the first year, the systems are expected to generate more than 1.8 million kilowatt hours of energy.

“DRI Energy is proud to be a part of this endeavor and commend the City for their ongoing efforts,” said Brian Flaherty, president of DRI Energy.

Over the initial 20 years, the solar deployments are expected to offset over 35 million pounds of carbon dioxide, equivalent to removing more than 3,400 cars from the road for one year.

Attend a solar and energy efficiency fair Saturday, April 30, 10am – 3pm at the San Jose Green Vision Clean Energy Showcase. For more information about the fair, go to energy.sanjose.ca.gov or call (408) 535-8550.