The 50.4 kW Solar Photovoltaic System was completed in the winter of 2002 by Renewable Energy Concepts, Inc. of Los Osos. The project cost $385,115, but a rebate from the Pacific Gas & Electric Self-Generation Program offset $190,903 of this. The City and Santa Cruz County Sanitation District shared the remaining costs.

The City treatment plant treats sewage from areas of the county within the Sanitation District, so the district shares in plant costs. The solar PV system consists of 420 Astropower 120 watt solar panels and SMA inverters installed on two buildings at the plant. It is expected to generate 76,811 kilowatt hours (kwH) of electricity per year, about as much as needed to power 25 homes. Estimated annual energy savings are about $15,000 per year, and the system is expected to last 30 years. The clean solar power will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65 tons per year, equal to the planting of 19 acres of trees!

For more information please contact:
Anne Hogan
Wastewater System Manager
110 California Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
831-420-5425 
Fax: 831-420-6489
email