Monterey Conference Center launches solar panels
The Monterey Conference Center “flipped the switch” Tuesday morning on 330 solar panels on the rooftops.
The 132,000 kilowatt system generates enough to power about 17 households with four people. It will produce 15 percent of the center’s annual electrical load.
“It’s a big accomplishment for the City of Monterey, especially for our Monterey Conference Center project,” said Hans Uslar, the Monterey city manager.
It cost under $300,000 to design and install the panels, which were provided by Applied Solar Energy working with the city.
The city says this will save taxpayers about $33,000 a year, and they hope this project will bring them closer to the coveted LEED platinum certification.
“Right now, with the rates we have now, and of course, PG&E rates keep increasing, so in later years, it’ll save even more money,” said Antony Tersol, a partner in Applied Solar Energy.
“It signifies also that we’re doing the most we can do to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Uslar.
The city expects to pay off the cost of building the solar panels in nine years. These panels are supposed to last over 40 years with minimal degrading.
