May 29 2010
Canadian Solar Inc. ("the Company," "Canadian Solar" or "we") (Nasdaq: CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar companies, and Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) today announced the completion of a roof-mount photovoltaic (PV) solar electric system on the airport's new 3,350-space, seven-story rental car center and public parking garage. The environmental impact of the system is the equivalent of removing 235 passenger vehicles from the road or the amount of carbon that 6,422 trees would sequester annually.
Featuring Canadian Solar's high-performance solar modules, this new 1.12 MW installation is part of the SJC Terminal Area Improvement Program, the comprehensive $1.3 billion initiative to modernize and replace the airport's terminal facilities. The installation has a projected annual output of 1,713,000 kWh, which is expected to provide enough power to offset at least 20 percent of the facility's total electrical power needs.
Mike Miskovsky, U.S. general manager of Canadian Solar, Inc., said, "This showcase installation partners two leaders in solar energy adoption, SJC and Canadian Solar. We are proud that our power-efficient, high-quality modules were selected for this important installation, as part of the airport's modernization program. This is our latest win as we work to expand our business across the U.S. from headquarters in nearby San Ramon."
Consisting of 4,680 Canadian Solar CS5P monocrystalline modules, the solar array spans 3.4 acres across the garage roof. It is the largest municipal solar array in San Jose to date and one of the largest airport solar electric installations in the United States. It will enable SJC to curtail the release of 1,284 tons of carbon dioxide each year.
Canadian Solar CS module series is one of the highest ranking in the industry in PV USA (PTC) ratings, which are quickly becoming universally accepted standards for measuring real-world module energy production and performance. The CS modules offer high-yield, long-term performance, and superior efficiency and reliability, to meet the highest standards in the world.
"San Jose is leading the way for sustainable design and operations of airports across the nation," said Bill Sherry, SJC director of aviation. "We know that our community, airlines, tenants and passengers all want us to be the most cost-efficient and energy-efficient airport as possible, and this solar installation is a significant step toward achieving that goal."
Rosendin Electric Inc., based in San Jose, is a 100 percent employee-owned electrical engineering, power and communications provider that consistently ranks in the top five electrical contractors in the United States. In partnership with the company's lead project contractor, Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Rosendin engineered and installed SJC's rooftop solar electric project in record time with Canadian Solar modules.
The SJC solar electric system will go live in June 2010 when the airport opens its new Terminal B and rental car center for full-scale operations. The rental car center is a true pioneer among parking structures, featuring a unique stacked "quick-turn-around" facility that includes indoor fueling stations, carwash racks and a central rental car business center. The QTA facility allows SJC rental car companies to fuel and wash vehicles without leaving the garage, thus reducing cars from airport and community roadways, and reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
Source: http://www.canadiansolar.com