SDG&E and Reuben H. Fleet Science Center unveil solar array
generating clean energy for San Diego

In April, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (Fleet) and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) unveiled the installation of more than 10,000 square feet of solar panels on the roof of the Science Center, generating clean electricity for San Diegans and serving as the centerpiece for an upcoming interactive exhibition on alternative energy.

After a rooftop dedication overlooking the solar array, Mike Niggli, SDG&E Chief Operating Officer (left) and Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, executive director of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, flipped a ceremonial switch powering a symbolic light bulb and activating the flow of electricity directly into the region’s power grid. View more photos.

“This is a like a miniature power plant right in the middle of Balboa Park generating clean electricity for the benefit of our customers,” explained Mike Niggli, SDG&E chief operating officer.

After a dedication ceremony on the rooftop overlooking the solar array, Niggli and Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, executive director of the Fleet, flipped a ceremonial switch powering a symbolic light bulb and activating the flow of electricity directly into the region’s power grid.

“As the first San Diego museum to install a solar power system of this magnitude, we’re excited and proud to lead the charge toward cleaner air locally and help mitigate the effects of climate change globally,” said Dr. Kirsch.

Enlightened partnership
The result of a partnership between SDG&E, the Fleet and the City of San Diego, the new solar photovoltaic (PV) system generates more than 100 kilowatts (kW) of electricity at peak production—enough to light 1,700 60-watt bulbs or power about 65 homes.

“These are the types of projects needed to meet the substantial renewable energy goals set by the City of San Diego and the State of California,” said Niggli. “As a company, we are more than halfway to having 20 percent of our electricity resources come from clean, renewable sources, such as solar, by 2010.”

This contribution of clean solar energy will prevent the release of approximately 60 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, which is equivalent to taking 10 cars off the road, or planting 16 acres of trees.

Sustainable Communities Program
Owned and operated by SDG&E, this solar project was made possible through SDG&E’s Sustainable Communities Program, which integrates clean energy generation with green building efforts that ultimately reduce greenhouse gases and serve as models for future projects.

Currently, there are 14 similar projects in the works with customers willing to host SDG&E-owned PV systems. By 2009, SDG&E expects to have these Sustainable Communities projects completed, generating a combined total of 1 megawatt of renewable energy for San Diego’s power grid.

First look at energy exhibition
The solar panel system will be the centerpiece of a new hands-on science exhibition at the Fleet called “So WATT! An Illuminating Look at Energy.” Guests at the unveiling were treated to a preview of the exhibit scheduled to open Aug. 11.

SDG&E is one of the sponsors of the exhibition, which will take visitors on a guided tour of solar power and other “green” sources of electricity. It will also introduce visitors to the basics of electricity and offer tips on how people can conserve energy at home and at work.

“If we can demonstrate today what can be done tomorrow, the future is going to be a much better place,” said Dr. Kirsch.