Regulators Approve Rooftop Solar Program

The California Public Utilities Commission approved a plan proposed by Southern California Edison to install advanced solar panels on unused large commercial rooftops across Southern California. Over the next five years Edison will install, own and operate 250 megawatts of solar generating capacity. It also plans to award power contracts to independent solar power providers who install an additional 250 megawatts of capacity. In fall 2008, Edison completed the first installation on a 600,000-square-foot distribution warehouse roof in Fontana, Calif. The rooftop holds 33,700 solar panels and generates 2.4 megawatts of direct current power. Edison also began installing solar panels on the roof of a 458,000-square-foot industrial building in Chino, Calif. First Solar of Tempe, Ariz. is supplying panels for both installations. The utility plans on having about 150 of these sights. In addition to awarding power contracts to independent providers, the utility will conduct competitive solicitations for the remaining roof leases and equipment needed for its own solar facilities. A limited number of ground mounted installations will also be considered. Eric Billingsley