Sep 02 - MARKET WIRE

Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., a leading designer and installer of grid-connected solar electric power systems, today announced that the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) has selected Borrego to install a 1.2 megawatt solar electric system -- consisting of Kyocera Solar photovoltaic modules -- as a central component to the university's robust sustainable energy program. The $9 million system, financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solar Power Partners, will supply about 1.5 million kilowatt hours of green energy per year, contributing to UC San Diego's overall sustainable energy goals.

"UC San Diego prides itself on being one of the nation's leading universities when it comes to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency, and the launch of our comprehensive sustainable energy program continues to promote our green efforts," said David Weil, assistant director of UC San Diego's facilities management. "We are grateful to Borrego Solar, Solar Power Partners and Kyocera Solar for their assistance in helping make the solar energy aspect of this project a reality. Borrego's experience and expertise will allow us to quickly activate the system and maximize its efficiency, and Solar Power Partners' PPA provided us with a creative financing solution that fits our needs."

When complete, UC San Diego's system will consist of 5,790 Kyocera KD205 solar modules that will be mounted on the Price Center, the Gilman parking structure and other buildings across the 1,200-acre campus. This system will contribute to the 29 million kilowatt hours per year of green energy that UC San Diego expects its overall efforts to produce, which is enough electricity to power more than 4,500 homes. UC San Diego's program will offset approximately 10,500 tons of carbon emissions, which is the equivalent of removing 1,500 cars from the road every year.

"The sustainability program that UC San Diego has in place will not only significantly reduce the university's carbon footprint, but it will also encourage green thinking among the student body and the San Diego community at large," said Aaron Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. "The benefits of this type of sweeping project are far-reaching and long-lasting, and Borrego is proud to take part in this monumental effort by installing a solar energy system that will ensure the consistent production of renewable energy for years to come."

Demand for large-scale solar electric systems like UC San Diego's has led Kyocera to build a second solar module manufacturing plant in the region, scheduled to open in October. "Kyocera Solar is honored to contribute to part of UC San Diego's sustainable energy program -- an ambitious and worthwhile plan that is in line with Kyocera's commitment to global environmental preservation," said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc.

To finance the $9 million up-front cost of the solar system, UC San Diego worked closely with Solar Power Partners to develop a customized PPA that meets UC San Diego's long-term budgetary requirements. As the owner of the system, Solar Power Partners brings together the project financing, development oversight and long-term operations and maintenance of the solar facility, and will sell all of the electricity produced by the system to the university. This arrangement enables UC San Diego to access solar generated electricity without incurring the capital or long-term operational costs to procure and run the system.

"Solar Power Partners applauds the UC San Diego sustainable energy program and is thrilled to be a part of it. The collaboration between UC San Diego, SPP and Borrego to bring UC San Diego's vision to reality has been wonderful, and UC San Diego has all rights to be proud of their leadership position in embracing solar and other green energy solutions," said Alex v. Welczeck, CEO of Solar Power Partners. "This project is a great example of how public institutions can achieve their sustainability goals, yet preserve their precious capital, through the use of a PPA."

About Borrego Solar Systems, Inc.

Established in 1980, Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading designers and installers of commercial, residential and public sector grid-connected solar electric power systems. Borrego Solar's photovoltaic systems are efficient, reliable and cost-effective. With more than two decades of experience and more than 800 installations, Borrego Solar offers a complete line of design and installation services throughout California and New England. For more information, visit www.borregosolar.com.

Contact: Dan Borgasano Director Schwartz Communications (415) 512-0770 borregosolar@schwartz-pr.com 

SOURCE: Borrego Solar