Large, New PV Solar Installation by Pacific Power Renewables Totally Powering the Aerospace Museum of California

NEWARK, Del., Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Motech Americas, a solar company with a 20-year heritage of manufacturing the highest quality solar panels has announced the completion of a large solar PV project by Pacific Power Renewables that is now providing all the energy needs for the Aerospace Museum of California in McClellan, California just north of Sacramento.  The museum is also playing a significant role in educating visitors and children with a new kiosk that explains solar energy in a fun, easy-to-understand format.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120823/PH61584 )

Installation producing at 111% of expected kWh

The 177.7KW installation consists of 756, roof-mounted Motech 235 watt modules with an annual production of 265,430 kWh– enough to completely power the museum.  Recent testing by the solar installer, Pacific Power Renewables revealed that this solar installation was producing electricity at 111% of expected kwh.

According to Roxanne Yonn Executive Director of the Museum:  “Going solar was a strategic move for the Aerospace Museum of California. We save on energy costs and we can use this as an educational tool for our students.  The STEM principles of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are all demonstrated through the use of solar.  In partnering with Pacific Power Renewables, we created an exhibit that demonstrates how solar works inspiring the scientists of tomorrow.”

Getting students excited about aviation – and solar power

On the roof are the latest in solar technology panels powering the museum building.  Inside is a remarkable collection of planes – with many more parked outside in easy walking distance.  It’s a large building, totally powered by clean solar energy, capable of holding special events ranging from a Board meeting of 10 all the way to receptions for 1,200 guests.

Solar makes perfect sense for the museum.

They have a strong and growing program based on hands-on, practical experiences related to math, science, technology and engineering for students from elementary to community college.  The Aerospace Learning Center has hosted thousands of students over the years – along with special events attended by visiting astronauts.  Their Aerospace Learning Center Programs get students excited about aviation – and include the opportunity to pilot an aircraft using a non-motion flight simulator.

[quotes]”I am happy to have been a part of helping the Aerospace museum achieve a green initiative and at the same time reduce their electricity expense,”[/quotes] said David Dwelle, president of Pacific Power Renewables. [quotes]”An additional win came from the love of aviation that runs deep throughout our family’s lineage. The final win was the relationship with Flyers Energy who provided the tax equity financing.”[/quotes]

About the Aerospace Museum of California
Located at 3200 Freedom Park Drive, McClellan, CA, 95652 (just north of Sacramento) the solar-powered Museum boasts a collection of aircraft starting with a Curtiss-Wright B-14-B “Speedwing” bi-plane built in 1932. It is one-of-a-kind and has been beautifully restored.  It’s on display for visitors to see and marvel at. Other aircraft include all “Century” series USAF aircraft, a MIG–17PF and MIG–21F, plus a Pitts S-1 acrobatic racer and an AQM – 187 drone.

Aerospace Museum website:http://www.aerospacemuseumofcalifornia.org/

About Pacific Power Renewables – Pacific Power Renewables (PPR), headquartered in Auburn, California is a leading independent provider of solar photovoltaic (“PV”) power for commercial, industrial, government and utility clients.  PPR develops, builds, owns and operates large-scale solar PV systems for industrial, commercial, governmental and utility clients.  PPR shareholders have successfully installed over 15 MW of solar PV systems throughout California. Pacific Power Renewables website: http://pacpower.wpengine.com

About Motech Americas
Motech Americas, LLC, is the most experienced manufacturer of solar modules, with its Newark, Delaware facility in operations for more than 20 years.  Motech utilizes Six-Sigma rigor, best in class quality, and customer fulfillment standards that are second to none. Fully intelligently vertically integrated, Motech Industries is the sixth largest solar cell manufacturer in the world, providing complete control over its supply chain and access to superior cell products. For additional information access http://www.motech-americas.com.

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