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Learn about the successful implementation of a 588 kW solar system by the Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District. This project, situated in an environmentally sensitive wetlands area, offset over 90% of the district's electrical power needs, resulting in significant savings and positive environmental impact.
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Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District 588 kW Solar System Megan Clark Board of Directors North Bay Watershed Conference April 2008
Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District • 588 kW system • Over 2 acres of PV • Project sited in environmentally sensitive wetlands area • Grade Beam Engineering Solution implemented as soil was “bay mud” bed rock 30-90 ft depth
Background on LGVSD • Located on the shores of San Pablo Bay • Provides sewer service to over 32,000 residents of Marin county • On Average treats 3.56 million gallons of wastewater per day
Why Solar? • LGVSD treats over 3.5 million gallons of wastewater everyday • Power costs for pumping were draining the district’s budget • Wanted to off-set 90% or more of the electrical power needs
Genesis of the LGVSD Solar Project • How did it come about? • How long did it take to get approval? • Was the community involved in the decision?
Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District–588 kW San Rafael, CA 6 Company Confidential
Results • Off-setting over 90% • Savings = $156,000 annually • Positive publicity • Improved landscape • New community asset: Wildlife refuge and trail system
Results – Cont. • Electricity prices have risen 24% since inception of the solar system: $.124/kWh $.154/kWh
Savings = Funding for Necessary Repairs • Half-Century Old Pipes Require Repair • Repair funding = $625,000 annually. • Reduction in electricity costs contribute to funds for repair
Ground Mount: Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District: San Rafael, CA System Size:588 kW Energy Output: 1,035,519 KW Savings: $156,000 Annually Results:CO2 emissions reduced by 1,442,281 pounds/year is equivalent to 1.7 million car miles/year 10 Company Confidential