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ARRA Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Energy Improvements

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100421-23
4/21/2010

By Eley Engstrom, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL) gathered April 9 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of a solar photovoltaic (PV) power roof system installation in San Diego.

The ceremony took place on the rooftop of Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command Training Center at the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Complex (NMAWC) where one of the seven solar systems was installed.

The project was awarded as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, of which legislation directed the government to undertake infrastructure and energy improvements to reduce the current carbon footprint.

"This project is important because it fulfilled three major goals," said Howard Diaz, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest design manager for the project. "First, completion of the project satisfied the purpose of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 by creating new jobs and spurring economic activity. Secondly, the installation of solar PV panels helps the Navy become a leader in the use of renewable energies, which is great for the environment. Lastly, the solar PV panel systems help the Navy reduce operating costs by offsetting the power consumption costs for each of the buildings in this project. A project that creates jobs, increases use of renewable energies and decreases operating costs is a winner."

The ceremony commenced with opening remarks delivered by NAVFAC Southwest Facilities Engineering Acquisition Division (FEAD) Point Loma Director, Lt. Michael Guzzi, who recognized the flexibility and superior efforts of the contractor Synergy Electric Company, Inc., as well as the contributing members of his contracting and technical team whom led the project from start to finish.

Diane Keltner, president of Synergy Electric Company, Inc., discussed the impact of the project in stimulating over 100 jobs associated with the effort. Keltner further laid claim to the technical accomplishment of providing 115,000 square feet of new roofing and PV systems with a high concern for safety and without accident, and touted the energy contributions of the project.

"There are no fossil fuels needed," said Keltner, "And the system will not generate pollution but will provide a renewable and clean energy source for decades."

Capt. Paul Marconi, NBPL's commanding officer, added to the project's accomplishments by capturing the PV systems' estimated annual power output of 649,991 kWh, equivalent to the power required to run 72 average U.S. homes each year. Acknowledging that the project had achieved its aim in providing economic stimulus while concurrently leading the way in renewable and sustainable energy, Marconi added that "every single kilowatt will count."

NAVFAC Southwest awarded Synergy Electric Company, Inc. the $4.1 million contract June 29, 2009, for the design and construction of a Solar PV Power Systems.

Spanning seven buildings at NMAWC, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and the NBPL main base complex, the 1,842 new solar PV panels are expected to result in an annual savings exceeding $91,000.

"It required considerable teamwork to complete this project," said Roslyn Jones, NAVFAC Southwest contract specialist who awarded the contract and supported it through fruition. "Synergy was excellent to work with and provided lots of communication. It really takes a village working together to get the job done."