Solar Project Yields Positive Results

Sep 17 - Targeted News Service

Idaho Power's solar-powered lighting system has gone "net zero" less than one year after installation. Manufactured and installed by Boise -based Inovus, the photovoltaic panels produced as much energy as the lights consumed over the past year. The project, installed in one of Idaho Power's downtown parking lots, let both companies test the system in a real-world environment.

"We're learning how Inovus' system can be used in the electric utility of the future," said Idaho Power Operations Strategy Director Karl Bokenkamp . "It's been a tremendous benefit to work with a local company that's a leader in the space."

Compared to the old high-pressure sodium units, the high-efficiency LEDs provide better light and bring substantial energy savings. Whereas the old lights consumed approximately 4,250 watts, the new system requires just 1,552 watts.

"We talk a lot about energy efficiency and ask our customers to use energy wisely," Bokenkamp said. "This installation shows we're walking the talk. It also shows what can be accomplished when leading-edge technologies are thoughtfully integrated with the capabilities of our existing electrical grid."

For Inovus, the project gave them an opportunity to test their system locally, in a commercial environment, and with ready access to a robust set of data from their own equipment and from Idaho Power's metering.

"We successfully demonstrated that our system can produce more energy than it consumes," said Inovus VP of Solutions David Gonzalez. "We also were able to surface some minor issues, which was very beneficial. Working with Idaho Power on the project has been great."

From Inovus' standpoint, their system goes beyond enhanced lighting and efficiency.

"Today's high-efficiency LEDs bring substantial energy savings to outdoor lighting, but we can do more," Gonzalez said. "By integrating solar collectors with LEDs, solar-powered lighting systems create new ways for customers to benefit from sustainable solutions."

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