PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECT

News Release from California State University, Northridge University Advancement, Public Relations Contact: Carmen Chandler: 818-677-2130 - carmen.chandler@csun.edu

Solar Electric System to Power CSUN:

PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS PHOTOVOLTAIC LIVE FEED

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Feb. 26, 2003) - The installation of more than 3,000 solar panels at Cal State Northridge is expected to save the university more than $50,000 annually in energy costs while at the same time contributing to a cleaner environment. One of the largest solar electric installations at a public university in California, the $1.8 million photovoltaic project was developed through a partnership with the university's Physical Plant Management, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Southern California Gas Company and Shell Solar Industries. LADWP and The Gas Company officials today presented the university with incentive checks totaling more than 1.6 million during a special ceremony to dedicate the new facility. "For the past two decades, Northridge has been very active in seeking new and innovative technologies to reduce its energy bills," said Mohammad Qayoumi, CSUN's vice president of administration and finance. "This project is a good example of the university's commitment to promoting environmentally friendly technologies, support energy conservation and reduce its energy costs. "Moreover, the project represents an excellent example of the collaborative work between academic and administrative divisions of the un8iversity, namely our College of Engineering and Computer Science and Physical Plant Management, as well as a model partnership between LADWP, Southern California Gas Company, Shell Solar Industries and CSUN." The 3.024 Shell solar modules, which are doubling as shading in student parking lot E6 at the northern end of the campus off Halsted Street, can generate 75 watts of power each, producing a peak generating capacity of 225 kilowatts. Much of this power will be generated exactly when it is needed most between 1 and 5 p.m. during summer months. Photovoltaic cells in the panels absorb the sun's ray's creating direct current power that is directed to a substation where it is converted to alternating power. It is then increased to 4,160 volts of energy and fed into a power grid that distributes electricity throughout campus. In addition to saving energy, the use of photovoltaic cells is also easing the campus' impact on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, by using 225 kilowatts of photovoltaic capacity, you reduce carbon emissions equal to the amount emitted by an average passenger car driving 722,181 miles. Chester Farris, senior vice president of Shell Solar said, the use of solar panels is a logical choice for the university. "Solar energy makes sense - Shell solar modules are warranted for 25 years of pollution free power production and they are made right here in Los Angeles," Farris said. Angelina Galiteva, LAWDP executive director of Green LA programs, said, "The installation of this newest solar system marks another step toward a cleaner environment in Los Angeles." "LADWP's solar incentives allow Los Angeles businesses, centers of education and residents alike to cost effectively tap into the sun as a clean, renewable power source. The savings realized by the university will allow more funds to be directed to educational and student programs," Galiteva said. Through the statewide Self-Generation Incentive Program, Southern California Gas Co. will award up to $54 million in incentives over the next three years to its business customers, which will generate 50,000 - 60,000 kilowatts of power. Launched in 2001 by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the program pays qualifying businesses up to 50 percent of the costs of installing electricity generation systems. "The Self Generation Incentive Program makes the purchase and installation of eligible technologies more affordable than ever, which helps our customers become more energy-sufficient and self-reliant," said Richard M. Morrow, vice president of customer services, major markets for Sempra Energy Utilities, The Gas Company and San Diego Gas & Electric. The project has also provided a team of CSUN engineering students an opportunity to put to use the skills they have learned in the classroom. "It's probably been the greatest opportunity I've had so far in school", said Josh Gallo, a junior studying electrical engineering who served as the project manager. "I was able to apply what I've learned in the classroom to a real world situation. In the classroom you deal with numbers and a lot of math, but working on this project I really learned what it takes to get something built and how to deal with all sorts of people". Cal State Northridge is considered a leader in energy conservation among university's across the country.

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