Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/482029
RINK technology Solar Power IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE PV SYSTEM, ON A YEARLY BASIS, WILL AVOID THE PRODUCTION OF 1,130 TONS OF CO2 AND SAVE MORE THAN 410,000 GALLONS OF WATER. , The new PV system will replace 23 percent of the facility's electrical needs. T he Genoveva Chavez Community Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has installed solar panels on new parking canopy structures in order to save energy — and ultimately, money. The GCCC uses more than 4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which results in a yearly electricity cost of $361,000. The new photovoltaic (PV) system will provide renewable energy for the facility and replace approximately 23 percent of the center's electrical needs. It will save the center an estimated $95,000 in the first year. The project would pay for itself within 21.5 years and would continue to provide electric- ity to the community center for an addi- tional 3.5 years or more, resulting in sig- nificant energy savings for the city. This estimate includes an escalation cost of 1.5 percent per year. For the past three years, we have experienced a 3 percent increase in electric rates, so the savings could be much higher. It is estimated that the PV system, on a yearly basis, will avoid the production of 1,130 tons of CO2 and save more than 410,000 gallons of water. The project is being funded with bond money that was approved by vot- ers in 2011. The total cost of the proj- ect is approximately $2.3 million and the contractor is Affordable Solar, Inc. The project will be completed by Jan. 23, 2015. There are two systems being installed. One is a 96kW system and the other is a 528kW system for a total of 624kW. J $olar $avings New solar project at Genoveva Chavez Community Center will save an estimated $95,000 in just one year by TOM MILLER, Ice Arena Manager, Genoveva Chavez Community Center 50 / MARCH.APRIL.2015 RINKMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS: COURTESY OF GENOVEVA CHAVEZ COMMUNITY CENTER