Solar Panels on IRWD Reservoir Producing Power

IRWD  Commitment to Energy Efficiency is Rewarded

Irvine Ranch Water District has flipped the switch on its 832 solar panels on the roof of its East Irvine Zone 3 drinking water reservoir which is expected to produce 32,270 kilowatt hours of energy per month, or, 365,000 kWh per year. This effort was rewarded by Southern California Edison presenting IRWD with a California Solar Initiative Infrastructure program incentive check for $492,583 at its May 9 board meeting

“This system will produce more than half of the energy needed to operate the facility and is a good demonstration of what you can do with unused space,” said Tom Bonkowski, project manager for IRWD. ”This cost savings directly benefits customers, as it reduces the cost of water.”

Installation of the panels took place in February and construction of supporting infrastructure was recently completed. The solar arrays were energized and interconnected to the Edison grid on April 27.

”Dedication to energy efficiency by IRWD is commendable, setting a great example for other public agencies,” said James Pasmore of Southern California Edison.

The seven million gallon circular reservoir was chosen for this project because of its remote location north of Irvine Boulevard on Magazine Road. The panels face south for maximum solar exposure and are tilted at a 10-degree angle.

Last year, this facility imported 711,081 kWh of energy from Edison for its operation. Currently, more than 1,400 kWh is being produced daily. The greenhouse gas reduction is approximately the same as taking 45 passenger vehicles off the roads for a year.

Contact: Shannon Reed, Public Affairs Manager
reeds@irwd.com, (949) 453-5500