Merced County collaborates with Siemens to install a solar panel array in local jails

Dec 29, 2011 07:40 GMT  ·  By
Merced County works with Siemens to implement a PV array powering local jails
   Merced County works with Siemens to implement a PV array powering local jails

California is one of the greenest states in the US. In order to preserve its reputation and cut down the energy bills at the same time, officials from Merced County have thought about powering the correctional facilities located in El Nido, California using clean, green solar power.

Apart from the obvious environmental benefits, the changes will generate significant financial changes and will bring California one step closer to its ambitious goal involving the development of renewables, Huffington Post informs.

Curbing the greenhouse gas emissions while saving more than a few dollars sounds like a great idea with a lot of potential.

Therefore, the facility will exploit the advantages offered by a 1.4-megawatt solar panel array developed by Siemens, powerful enough to provide up to 70% of the total amount of energy needed.

6,272 solar panels will be placed along a surface occupying 4.5 acres next to the John Latorraca Correctional Facility and the Iris Garrett Juvenile Justice Correctional Complex.

Renewables are not the only element exploited to come up with shrinking energy bills. It seems that authorities also plan to work with Siemens to improve the energy-efficiency of their lightning system.

The financial savings generated through a long-term strategy are expected to be noticeable. According to the plan, the solar project will bring $1.6 million (€1.2 million) in only 5 years, while the energy-efficiency improvements will help the facility save $14 million (€10.82 million) in 25 years.

"We are thrilled to be turning on a new era of sustainability for Merced County citizens. I think all will agree we have made a solid investment that will yield tremendous fiscal and environmental benefits to the county and its citizens for decades to come," explained Board of Supervisors Chairman John Pedrozo.

In order to complete this mission, Merced County is currently collaborating with Siemens, but has also established a series of partnerships with local companies, like Phase One Construction, Collins Electric and Suntrek, to make sure that great savings will represent a part of their sustainable development.

The money preserved due to this ingenious project will be deposited in a fund to back other similar initiatives tackling energy efficiency in the entire Merced County in the near future.