LANCASTER – With the recent completion of five new solar energy systems at City facilities, the City of Lancaster expects to save nearly $6 million in energy costs over the next 15 years, according to a press release issued by the City Wednesday.
The City maintenance yard’s 284.8 kilowatt system, which became fully operational in July, was the last site to be completed as part of this 1.45 megawatt project in partnership with SolarCity.
“These five solar projects are already helping to offset energy costs, saving the City and taxpayers much needed dollars in this difficult economy,” said Lancaster City Mayor R. Rex Parris. “This is yet another example of why we are the Alternative Energy Capital of the World.”
The first City project to be completed was the 304.6 kilowatt carport-mounted system at Clear Channel Stadium, home to the Lancaster JetHawks. The stadium is the first minor league baseball stadium in California to go solar. The system offsets close to 85 percent of the stadium’s energy use and has already produced approximately $65,000 worth of power since its inception in December of last year.
The other City solar projects include shade structures at City Hall (513.9 Kw), the City Park park and ride (138.8 Kw), and the Lancaster Performing Arts Center (205.5 Kw).