RENO - A combined 498-kilowatt renewable energy project on the Reno campus of the Desert Research Institute is part of a statewide effort that will save DRI more than $160,000 in electricity costs annually and reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 3.6 million pounds per year.
Four new photovoltaic systems, a 212 kW parking shade structure mounted system and 286 kW rooftop mounted system in Reno, and 390 kW parking shade structure mounted system and a 58 kW ground-based system on the Institute's Las Vegas campus, will boost DRI's total clean electrical power-generating capacity installed statewide to more than one megawatt (MW).
"We are extremely pleased to announce the completion of these new solar arrays," said Stephen Wells, DRI president. "Not only are our researchers pioneering new economically and environmentally friendly energy production methods in our Clean Technologies and Renewable Energy Center; we are tangibly demonstrating what can be accomplished with renewable power on both of our campuses."
Together with two ground mounted systems totaling 137 kW that were installed in Reno in 2009 and 2012, the Institute's six arrays combined include more than 4,200 individual solar panels and will generate nearly 20 percent of the electrical power requirements needed for DRI's facilities statewide.
DRI's solar-generation projects were made possible thanks to the financial incentives provided through NV Energy's Solar Generations program, the Governor's Office of Energy revolving loans program, the State Public Works Board and the State Attorney General's Office.
"DRI's commitment to renewable energy in Nevada is remarkable," said John Hargrove, the manager of energy efficiency and conservation for NV Energy. "These latest projects resulted in great part from a continuation of the excellent long-standing relationship between NV Energy and DRI."
Since 2009, DRI executive and facilities staff have worked in partnership with the State Public Works Division to pursue funding from the NV Energy Solar Generations Program that made possible the six significant projects which greatly reduce the amount of state funds DRI spends on utilities on its Reno and Las Vegas campuses.
In total, DRI applied for and won through the NV Energy lottery selection process five awards totaling 1,083 kW of clean power generated on-site by the sun in Reno and Las Vegas at a cost of $4.2 million, of which DRI will repay $300,000 to the Governor's Office of Energy loan through energy savings. These six projects together generate enough solar energy to power 168 average American homes.
DRI's photovoltaic arrays were installed by Blackrock Solar, Hamilton Solar, Bombard Renewable Energy and Merit Electrical.
Wells added that DRI currently has plans to install another 1.15 mW of solar power on its campuses by Fall 2014, increasing the total annual electrical savings to an estimated $336,548.
For more information on DRI's commitment to renewable energy please visit www.dri.edu/renewable-energy
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