Mar 18 2010
Mitsubishi Electric announced today that it has teamed up with East West Bank to provide a 637kW DC solar PV system to The Port of West Sacramento.
Mitsubishi Electric Solar Panels at the Port of West Sacramento
The system includes 3,536 Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaic modules covering 90,000 square feet on the rooftops of two rice warehouse buildings.
The solar system was designed to meet all of the port’s electricity needs for the next 25 years and is expected to reduce the Port of West Sacramento’s energy costs by $20,000 annually. The construction loan and long term financing was provided by East West Bank. “This project fits in well with our bank's 'Go Green' initiative to promote the expansion of the clean tech industry in California,” says K.Y. Cheng, Executive Vice President of East West Bank.
The solar installation is just one step the port is taking to reduce its impact on the environment. The port is also improving the energy efficiency of its operations and plans to implement a “marine highway” container barge system in cooperation with the Port of Oakland and Port of Stockton to reduce harmful air emissions.
“In addition to all of the other steps we’re taking to improve our environmental performance, this new solar installation clearly demonstrates that we’re serious about our intent to become one of the greenest ports in the country,” said Mike Luken, Port of West Sacramento manager.
The project utilizes 100 percent lead-free solder solar modules from Mitsubishi Electric. “We commend the Port of West Sacramento for going solar and setting a great example for other ports to follow,” says Gina Heng, general manager for Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA’s Photovoltaic Division. “We are excited about our working with East West Bank in the solar industry, where financing solutions for PV projects are in high demand.”