MCWD Solar Energy Plant Production Exceeds Expectations

The solar array located at the MCWD Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) turned one-year old on October 21^st, 2012.  The 874 kWh AC Single Axis Tracker Solar PV Energy Project was constructed on-site to produce power for the Waste Water Treatment Plant.   Following the one year anniversary of the project start-up, District staff presented a report to the Board of Directors on the effectiveness of the project in meeting the District’s objectives. The Board was pleased to learn that the energy generation was 110% of the projected amount.  The annual production was ninety percent of the annual energy consumption of the Treatment Plant.  Annual electrical costs for the Plant are approximately $210,000.

The one-year financial review, included in the report, projects a positive cumulative savings in the eleventh year of operation with a $4,000,000 cumulative savings over 25 years of operation.  This projection is on track with cost projections made prior to construction.  The savings projection considers the total cost of the solar array including construction, consulting fees, District labor, and legal expenses.

The District is proud of the achievements represented by the implementation of the solar energy project.  This project is meeting the District’s intended objectives: it is significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing long term stable energy costs. Visit the District’s website to view weekly solar production, www.mcwd.dst.ca.us, click on the link in the left sidebar, “MCWD Solar Facility.”