California Navy Base Reaches Milestone Using Solar Power

Naval Base Coronado's energy conservation efforts reached a major milestone Sept. 29 when the "solar photovoltaic carport" registered more than 5 million kilowatt-hours produced.

The PV carport is a covered parking lot for 446 cars. Solar panels cover the roof, collecting energy for use on the base.

When the PV carport powered up in October 2002, it was projected to produce about 1,244,000 KWh annually. According to Naval Base Coronado Public Affairs, the system has performed better than projected, with annual savings exceeding $228,000, and more than $912,000 since inception.

The system is part of a Navywide effort to increase production and use of renewable energy. Solar energy systems help the Navy to meet federal facility renewable-energy requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

"We are trying to be responsible members of the community by managing our resources responsibly," said Capt. Anthony Gaiani, commander of Naval Base Coronado.

The energy produced by the PV carport is used on base to offset about 1 percent of its annual electric consumption and about 3 percent of the peak electrical demand during the summer months. The system also provides base personnel covered parking for 446 vehicles.

"This is just one piece of a much larger energy conservation effort on Naval Base Coronado," Gaiani said.

The PV carport has helped the base win both the Secretary of the Navy Energy Conservation Award and the 2005 Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense

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