The Sun Also Rises on a New Era in Beverly Hills Energy Production

The City of Beverly Hills can now claim its place in the sun. As of two weeks ago, about 15 percent of the ’s electricity is being generated by 1,596 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on top of Civic Center structures. The panels are part of the first large-scale solar energy project in the City, which is blessed with abundant sunshine.

This past week, the panels generated enough energy to offset 295 gallons of gasoline and 5,364 pounds of carbon emissions. However, we anticipate the system to produce 20 percent more energy during peak conditions (noon to 6 p.m. during the summer). Depending upon the weather and other circumstances, up to one-third of the library’s electricity needs will be met with solar energy. You will soon be able to see the energy savings on a dashboard located in the library, which will provide up-to-the minute information on the electricity being produced. You can view the solar dashboard online now.

The Civic Center solar array is the City’s largest solar project, but not the first and by no means the last. Preceding the Civic Center project was a much smaller solar system atop the , which opened last year. These panels generate electricity for the four-story building that houses the City’s Cable TV offices, Participant Media and Google. In 2007, the City’s first credit card parking meters were installed, which are powered by individual solar panels.

Looking forward, the new offices for the Chamber of Commerce, and Conference and Visitors Bureau, are now being constructed at 9400 S. Santa Monica Blvd. This City-owned building will also feature a solar array designed to exceed the City’s green ordinance and California’s green-building standards.

More information on solar energy projects is available on the City’s solar webpage. Plans for the Civic Center solar array were discussed at the Nov. 30, 2010 study session and formal meeting.

This blog is intended as a means of keeping the community informed about City government. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Beverly Hills Patch.