SDG&E’s Solar Energy Project
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The Solar Energy Project is aimed at increasing adoption of solar power among San Diego-area commercial customers, municipalities and institutions.
This is a key sector that can support larger solar energy generation sites. The project is currently under review with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Our Mission
“Our mission is to tap more renewable power – from solar, wind and biomass sources – to meet the increasing energy needs of our customers and benefit our environment," says Debra L. Reed, president and chief executive officer of SDG&E.
"With this program, we are hoping to plant the seeds for what will grow into an aggressive expansion of solar energy within San Diego."
Project Highlights
- We are proposing to invest up to $125 million over the next five years in utility-owned solar photovoltaic generation and power purchase agreements for projects that may be constructed at governments, entertainment venues and large retail/shopping complexes.
- The initiative will focus on facilities that generate more than 1 megawatt (MW) of electricity tied to SDG&E’s distribution system.
- The new solar generation projects would deliver 20 MW to 35 MW to help meet peak customer demand, and would include land-based solar tracking systems and potentially photovoltaic arrays that double as parking shade structures.
About two-thirds of the solar generating facilities will be utility-owned; the other third are likely to be customer- or third party-owned. Combined, the energy produced by the photovoltaic systems could be enough to power more than 50,000 homes.
Solar Tracking Technology
SDG&E is open to all photovoltaic technologies, but we seek projects that maximize annual energy production and delivery during peak hot summer days. We expect many projects will use technology featuring photovoltaic panels that track the sun’s path throughout the day. The solar tracking technology will allow the photovoltaic panels to produce 65% more power during system peak energy demand than flat rooftop photovoltaic systems, and 40% more energy throughout the year.
Solar Energy and Our Regional Energy Plan
Learn more about how solar energy and other renewables fit into our Regional Energy Plan.