The Solaria STS-Azimuth tracking system consists of the company’s patented concentrating solar photovoltaic panels, solar tracking system, and specialized design services. Solaria’s concentrating solar panels multiply the energy yield of silicon while providing outstanding energy generation performance. The Solaria trackers ensure that the Solaria panels, which are designed for tracking systems, take full advantage of available solar energy by following the sun’s path across the sky throughout the day. Trackers produce up to 30% more energy than fixed arrays. And Solaria’s expert design services ensure that the system is designed for optimum system performance, highest energy yield and minimal environmental impact.
“We are proud to partner on this project with Solaria Corporation, a local manufacturer headquartered here in Alameda County,” stated Matt Muniz, Alameda County energy program manager. “By utilizing Solaria’s unique solar tracking technology, we have been able to increase the jail’s renewable energy generation capacity by over 50%.”
Last month, Alameda County unveiled a microgrid that enables the county’s Santa Rita Jail to sustain power should its connection to the utility grid be interrupted. The $11.7 million project, known as a smart grid, will allow Santa Rita Jail to ensure it has a supply of reliable electricity for its daily operations and security, and will save the county approximately $100,000 per year in energy costs. Chevron Energy Solutions designed, developed and built the project, which was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy, the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission. The smart grid is the first of its kind in the country.
"Throughout our history, Alameda County has worked to integrate pioneering technologies into our operations," said Alameda County Sheriff Gregory J. Ahern. "The smart grid and new solar tracking systems at Santa Rita Jail continue that tradition, improving the community’s grid stability while consistently providing a safe, secure and humane environment for inmates and staff." The smart grid and solar tracking projects are the culmination of several renewable energy projects implemented at the jail, including rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, a 1 MW fuel cell cogeneration plant, and wind turbines, along with a 2 MW advanced energy storage system.
The California Energy Commission provided nearly $2 million in funding for Alameda County’s smart grid project, through its Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program. In addition, the California Public Utility Commission’s CSI Research, Development and Deployment Program funded the solar tracking project with over $600,000 in grant funding. These programs support public interest research and development that help improve the quality of life in California by bringing environmentally safe, reliable, and affordable energy services and products to the marketplace.
About Alameda County
Alameda County is California’s seventh largest county, with more than 1.5 million residents. The County includes 14 cities as well as several unincorporated communities. Alameda County is governed by an elected Board of Supervisors, with each supervisor representing one of five geographical districts. County government is guided by a Strategic Vision, a far-reaching roadmap that integrates five priority areas including Environment and Sustainability. With a robust sustainability program Alameda County has established itself as a leader in areas including climate protection, ecosystem restoration, use of renewable energy and green building methods, recycling and waste reduction.
Solaria Corporation designs, manufactures and markets silicon PV modules and systems to solar system integrators, project developers and electric utilities. Based on its patented low-cost technology, Solaria’s modules provide reliable performance while matching form, fit and performance of conventional PV modules. Solaria headquarters are in California with operations in Germany and India.
