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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Members of the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron began efforts to go "green" by installing the first operational solar panels on Vandenberg July 11 as part of a reusable energy pilot program.
The asset management building in the civil engineer complex was fitted with the photovoltaic solar panel Installation project.
The system is expected to provide, at peak hours of the day, 16 kilowatts or more of sustainable power. The building currently uses, when occupied, about 14 kilowatts of power.
"This will provide sustainable clean energy for the asset management building," said Dan Carson, project manager for the Solar Photovoltaic Array. "The energy collected by the solar panels will turn the meter backward, putting power back into the commercial grid."
This project marks the initial push for Vandenberg to become compliant with the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The act requires federal agencies to reduce energy intensity 30 percent by 2015.
"Placement of solar arrays on this building allows us to showcase our commitment to energy conservation and environmental stewardship on our own rooftop," said Benjamin Roope, chief of Pollution, Prevention and Sustainment.
As part of the program, an interactive display that shows power produced, temperature and solar irradiance conditions, and quantities of greenhouse gases avoided will be available in the lobby of the asset management Building.
It has taken Carson more than a year to create a sustainable power project. It is expected to be completed by Friday July 15.
"I hope this is a template not only for solar power but for other sustainable resources as well," said Carson. "It is just a good thing to do."