California solar

The city government in Orange County, California is planning to cut its energy use by 40% through utilising solar power.

The solar power switch will save the city government $13 million.

The 1.8MW solar system is for the City of Brea.

It will reduce the city’s carbon emission by 86,000 metric tonnes, which is the same as taking 16,000 cars from the road.

The system will additionally put $3 million into the local economy through supporting 25 jobs directly and 125 jobs indirectly.

“This project demonstrates how cities and other municipalities can learn from Brea on how to reduce their energy costs and use clean renewable power,” said Jim Davis, President of Chevron Energy Solutions, the company installing the solar system.

The solar power project in under construction and will be completed in 2011.