The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) joined Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), today in Carson to unveil the transit agency's latest contribution to energy efficiency and sustainability: the largest solar panel installation at a single site within the U.S. transit industry.
The 498-kilowatt (DC) system, comprising 1,632 individual solar panels, is now installed on the roof of the Carson bus division's maintenance facility and six parking lot carport structures. Metro estimates that the solar panel system will generate 600,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, enough green renewable power to save the division nearly $17,000 per month, or $200,000 per year.
"Metro has made significant strides toward becoming a 'green' transportation agency, and it has raised the bar by installing the industry's largest solar installation at a single transit facility," said Pam O'Connor, Santa Monica City Councilmember and Metro Board Chair. "From planning, operations, construction, and procurement, Metro is doing everything it can to foster a more energy-efficient and sustainable environment because our future depends on it."
The solar panel system was designed and installed by Chevron Energy Solutions.
"Metro is demonstrating great leadership as a transit agency that's advancing clean energy," said John Mahoney, Chevron Energy Solutions' chief operating officer. "This solar installation generates enough electricity to power 200 homes, and helps lower carbon emissions by 143 metric tons. That's comparable to removing 90 cars from the road every year." |