San Jose May Develop Solar Energy Farms

March 17, 2009

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The city of San Jose, California, is evaluating the development of solar farms as its next solution to power the city government’s energy needs, Silicon Valley/ San Jose Business Journal reports. Preliminary estimates peg San Jose’s energy needs at 30 megawatts to power all of its city facilities, according to the article.

San Jose’s Mayor Chuck Reed told the newspaper that the 90-acre Singleton Landfill might be a viable option for the solar farm. However, other sites are being considered including the 25-acre Story Road Landfill, small parcels in the Evergreen/Edenvale area and parcels at the city’s Water Pollution Control Plant, reports the newspaper.

No timeline has been assigned and city officials are evaluating what type of solar technology to install, such as a trough or photovoltaic solar systems, cites the newspaper. They may initially allow these parcels to be used as test beds for demonstration projects, reports the newspaper. Companies such as SunPower Corp., Akeena Solar Inc., SoloPower Inc., SolarCity Corp., Chevron Corp. and others could all be in the running, along with Skyline Solar Inc. and GreenVolts Inc., according to the article.

Based on economic stimulus package discussions in Washington D.C., city officials anticipate about $8 million in energy block grants and about $10 million for work-force training, reports Silicon Valley/ San Jose Business Journal.

The San Jose City Council also recently announced that the city is adopting mandatory green building standards for all new construction.

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