Imperial Valley College
IVC takes first step on major solar project
School celebrates its solar field groundbreaking, fall semester starting and its new agriculture program leader.
Imperial Valley College broke ground Aug. 18 on a major solar energy project that will save the college $8 million over the next 25 years and drastically reduce the institution’s carbon footprint. With an estimated 75 percent of its energy being produced by solar, the 3-megawatt solar field will place IVC among the energy conservation leaders in California’s 72 community college districts and 113 colleges.
IVC has entered into a Solar Energy Power Purchase and Sale Agreement (PPA) with Green Light Energy Corporation to install the photovoltaic solar facility on 15 acres of its Aten Road campus.
The system will provide IVC with predictable cost for the portion of electricity supplied by the PV system for the next 25 years.
Through the PPA, GLEC with the help of local engineering firm, ZGlobal, Inc., will install the solar cells on at the IVC. Installation is scheduled to be completed by early 2017.
“We are thrilled to be stepping into the arena of renewable energy production. Not only will this save IVC greatly on its energy bills, but it is also making us an active player in one of our area’s burgeoning industries,” said Victor Jaime, superintendent/ president.
“I want to thank the Imperial Irrigation District for their excellent cooperation in this endeavor,” said Jerry Hart, president of the IVC Board of Trustees. “It shows how two major public agencies can work together for the good of our Valley.”
The GLEC solar project in Imperial is part of an effort to provide renewable energy solutions throughout California and specifically the Imperial Valley. Currently IID supports and provides all of IVC’s energy.
“GLEC is a firm believer in utilizing renewable energy resources and is proud to support IVC in its effort towards building a sustainable renewable energy source for its College,” said Jeremy Vaa, president and chief executive officer of GLEC.
“ZGlobal is delighted to be working with GLEC and IVC to bring this distributed generation solar project online,” said Ziad Alaywan, president of ZGlobal Inc. “This project is an example of how well environmental sustainability balances with opportunities to reduce rising energy costs.”
Green Light Energy Corp. is a California-based developer and owner of small and utility-scale renewable energy generation and infrastructure development projects.
For additional information, visit the GLEC website at www.glenergycorp.com
ZGlobal Inc. is a local, vertically integrated, full-service energy-engineering firm. For additional information about ZGlobal Inc., visit the ZGlobal website at www.zglobal.biz