Solar Electric System Installed at San Jose Int’l Airport
Energy Boom
The Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and CanadianSolar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ)recently announced the completion of a 1.12 MW solar electric systeminstallation.
SJC Terminal Area Improvement Program
As part of the SJC Terminal Area Improvement Program, theroof-mounted photovoltaic system was installed on a new, seven-story,3,350-space Rental Car Center and parking garage located in front of the newly constructed airport terminal.
The solar array, consisting of nearly 5,000 high-performance,Canadian Solar CS5P monocrystalline modules, covers more than threeacres of the garage roof, making it one of the largest airport solarelectric installations in the US
The solar system is expected to produce enough power to offset 20percent of the facility’s electrical needs. The system was engineeredand installed by San Jose-based Rosendin Electric, Inc.
The new state-of-the-art Rental Car Center also features indoorfueling stations, carwash racks and a central rental business center.Because the rental cars can now be washed indoors, airport traffic willbe reduced, cutting down on fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
The US$1.3 billion comprehensive project, currently under budget andahead of schedule, also features other improvements and upgrades aswell.
Besides the construction of the new Terminal B and Terminal BConcourse, Terminal A is also getting a bit of a modernized facelift aswell. Features include a new ticketing area, larger and more comfywaiting areas, new ticketing facilities and an improved securitycheckpoint area.
Improved access to the airport and a public art and technologyprogram is also included. Free electric vehicle charging stations arealso located on the first floor of Terminal A’s parking garage.Construction of the new Terminal B and the Concourse were designed tomeet LEED standards.
The system was not originally part of the project. Because theproject was running ahead of schedule and under budget, the solar system was added later.
SJC was the recipient of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) “Savings by Design – New Construction” incentive. PG&E presentedthe airport with a check for $133,869 for “incorporatingenergy-efficient design concepts and materials at its recently completed Terminal B Concourse.”
SJC served over 8 million passengers in 2009. The new terminal isexpected to open for service on June 30, 2010.
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