Solar Technologies Designs One of the Largest Solar Arrays in San Jose

Silicon Valley Technology Company Leads the Way in Sustainable Energy with a 600 Kilowatt Solar Installation.

Solar Technologies, a Santa Cruz, CA solar company, designed a $3.6 million solar installation for Power Integrations (Nasdaq: POWI), a leading high-voltage integrated circuit manufacturer, known for its energy efficient products. Power Integrations is headquartered in Edenvale Technology Park in San Jose. 

Honoring the company's commitment to sustainability in the community, local government officials, U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Councilmember Ash Kalra, and Silicon Valley Leadership Group President and CEO Carl Guardino was on hand at the facility for a "powering on" event Thursday.

When the project began, the scope was limited to the roofs of two buildings with a total potential of 200 kW. The Power Integrations team quickly concluded that their investment needed to cover a significantly larger portion of their usage. Solar Technologies determined that by using the parking facility, approximately 50% of their usage would be offset. A new plan was developed that covered a 44,448 square-foot lot.

As the scope of the system grew, Solar Technologies called upon two established solar partners – Atlas-Pellizzari Electric of Redwood City and Legacy Roofing of San Jose. Atlas-Pellizzari took over the responsibilities for system construction with Legacy managing the construction of the parking structures.

“Large commercial solar PV installations require the teamwork of multiple disciplines.  Solar is a long term investment that requires full consideration of the vendor’s capabilities. Atlas and Legacy were instrumental in the success of this project,” reported Solar Technologies’ Commercial Sales Manager.

The finished project provides shaded areas for vehicle parking, while producing clean energy to power the facility and reduce electric bills. Balu Balakrishnan, president and CEO of Power Integrations, estimates that the system will pay for itself in twelve years through accumulated energy savings.

Power Integrations is committed to energy efficiency compliance and the company made a bold move with this sizeable installation. The array uses 2,531 Sharp panels and two SatCon inverters.

The system will power two buildings, including their chip testing operations with 100 employees and produce lighting for their parking facilities. The project is expected to reduce 10,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 25 years. A data feed monitoring the system production can be viewed at www.powerint.com/solar.

"We are proud to be part of this project, working with an innovative company who is  setting new standards for resource conservation in Silicon Valley. With a system of this magnitude, Power Integrations has established its position as a role-model for a sustainable future," said the Director of Sales and Marketing at Solar Technologies.

The City of San Jose's Mayor, Chuck Reed applauded the company for helping the city achieve its Green Vision Goals.  

About Solar Technologies

Solar Technologies is a solar power installer, designing and building state-of-the-art solar power systems for commercial and residential electric users for the past fourteen years. Visit the website at www.SolarTechnologies.com or call 831-421-0440 or 925-939-8300 for more information about installing a solar power system on your home or business.