Meadows Field Solar Facility project is scheduled to begin construction Sept. 18 due to backing by Regenesis Power, LLC, which will maintain, operate and provide funding for the estimated $6 million dollar venture.
Regenesis, one of six competitive proposals, was sent before an evaluation committee comprised of solar consultants, the county’s energy coordinator and the deputy director for the airport. Regenesis ultimately was awarded the contract May 6.
The solar facility consists of 4,704 solar modules covering six acres, which according to the Meadows Field Solar Facility Project summary will tilt 15 degrees to the south, and rotate east to west to track the sun during the day.
The goals of the project are conserving energy and creating annual reductions of greenhouse gasses that include nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide.
Through conserving energy and decreasing gasses into the environment, the quality of the air people breathe will be measurably improved.
Analysis & Marketing Manager Teresa Hitchcock said, “This is a model that could be used by commercial and public industry. By increasing efficiency in energy conservation, it will impact the air quality in the San Joaquin Valley.”
So how does this concept work enabling the conservation of energy and saving of money? The answer lies with the thousands of solar panels that will absorb the sun’s energy. These solar panels are operational year round, and the longest of sun-filled days will create the most energy.
As generated solar power exceeds what Meadows Field needs to operate, the excess power is then stored, and the meter “spins backwards.” PG&E will then purchase unused energy at the peak rate price. Savings may be used to generate new programs benefiting Kern County as a whole.
It is estimated that over a 20-year period, the average annual saving in electrical bills will be 16 percent or over $1 million total.
To date only two airlines service Bakersfield airport: US Airways and United Airlines. However, with this concept implemented and operational, “The savings will allow Meadows Field to keep rates and charges low in order to be more competitive with other airports,” said Hitchcock.