City of Atwater Powers New Wastewater Plant with Solar Energy

Today, the city of Atwater, Calif. —home to more than 28,000 people— dedicated a 1.1 megawatt solar power system adjacent to the city's new wastewater treatment plant.

City of Atwater Powers New Wastewater Plant with Solar Energy


Through Siemens, Atwater implements discounted and sustainable electricity with no capital investment

ATWATER, Calif. – Today, the city of Atwater, Calif. —home to more than 28,000 people— dedicated a 1.1 megawatt solar power system adjacent to the city's new wastewater treatment plant. By utilizing Siemens Building Technologies' expertise, the new solar array enables the city of Atwater to purchase electricity under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) at a fixed and discounted rate without any capital investment.

As with many communities in California that are struggling economically, Atwater sought creative solutions to help reduce energy costs associated with a new wastewater treatment plant. Under the Siemens Solar PPA program, Siemens will build, own, operate and maintain the system and Atwater agrees to purchase the electricity the system generates at a guaranteed rate for 20 years.

The solar array uses solar modules and tracking systems from Solaria Corporation of Fremont, CA; these track the sun throughout the day to maximize energy capture. Installed on an unused former landfill site, the system will generate 2,221,738 kWh of clean renewable energy annually, and realize significant greenhouse gas emissions savings.
"We're pleased to have found a way to offset the higher electricity costs from our new wastewater treatment plant without a capital expenditure," said Atwater Mayor Joan Faul. "Not only will we save over $1 million during the life of the project, we are doing so in a way that advances Atwater's sustainability goals."

"By using solar energy, Atwater is going to reduce the energy costs associated with the increased demand," said Lisa Reddinger, senior business development manager, Siemens Building Technologies division, Energy & Environmental Solutions. "With a Siemens Solar PPA, there was no-up front capital investment, and budgeting for increases in electric costs becomes much easier for the city."

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For more information about Solaria, visit www.solaria.com.


Contact: Susan DeVico, SusanDV@aol.com (510) 339-1527


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