Press Release- Jun 28, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2007
Contact:
Megan Castle, 303.866.2262
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
NEW SOLAR PANELS INSTALLED AT GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE
First Lady Jeannie Ritter and Energy Office Director Tom Plant announced today the greening of the Governor's Residence with the installation of two solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the Tebo Visitor's Center at the Carriage House. Colorado will join just a handful of states that generate on-site power through a PV system for their Governor's Residence.
The Governor's Residence project consists of two distinct photovoltaic electric systems. A 2.4-kilowatt system being built on the Pump House structure is being installed by Sun Electric Systems of Lafayette. A second system is being installed atop the Tebo Visitor's Center Carriage House meeting facility. This 36-panel, 7.4-kilowatt system is being installed by Namaste Solar Electric of Boulder.
"There's no better way to show how well renewable energy systems can work than by generating clean energy on the grounds of the Governor's Residence. It's a perfect way to demonstrate how we hope to bring the Governor's New Energy Economy into homes and businesses all across Colorado," Plant said. "These two systems will offset about 10.5 tons of carbon dioxide per year. We're also working on several more PV installations in state buildings."
Both systems will provide a combined capacity of nearly 10 kW, roughly double the size of the average residential solar system installed in Colorado. On an annual basis, the Pump House system will produce 2,750 kWh and the Carriage House system will produce 8,450 kWh for a total of 11,200 kWh annually. In comparison, an average house in Colorado consumes approximately 7,200kWh/year of electricity. Over the course of a year, the Governor's Residence systems will produce approximately the same amount of electricity as that consumed by one average sized Colorado household and a typical studio apartment.
The two systems are being funded from an earlier energy savings project conducted by Chevron Energy Solutions at the Capitol Complex. The systems cost about $33,000, after savings of approximately $39,000 from the Xcel Energy Solar Rewards rebate program.