An additional 763,000 watts of solar power at the University spurs local economic development

SAN DIEGO (June 21, 2013) – Cultures throughout the world have celebrated the sun in different ways, many including summer solstice ceremonies. While the significance of solstice traditions vary from culture to culture, summer time in San Diego signifies beach days, hotter weather, longer days, high electricity bills and heaps of solar power on rooftops around the county.

On this summer solstice with the sun at its annual zenith, the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) has reached its own zenith of sorts. The university kicked off its most recent solar photovoltaic project, at UC San Diego's Mayer Hall, one of seven sites on campus that will soon be solarized as part of a combined 763,858-watt solar project. This additional solar capacity will provide UC San Diego with more solar capacity than any other San Diego university. All project sites are being installed by local firm, Sullivan Solar Power.

"The newly launched project shows UC San Diego's commitment to renewable energy, as the university is the most solar powered campus in San Diego County," said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, "Time and time again, the university is stepping up to be not only a local demonstrative model for clean technology in our community, but also a national leader for campus sustainability."

Sullivan explained that the large project is adding value to the local economy, with new jobs and significant financial savings. More than 24 local electricians will be working on the solar project over the next six months, supported by a team of four project managers and three engineers. With the new campus solar project, UC San Diego will be reducing their electric bill while hedging against future utility rate increases. The new solar installations will save the university approximately $2 million over 20 years.

To date, UC San Diego has completed two major solar installations and with this third project the total combined output of UC San Diego's systems will total nearly three million watts. UC San Diego's solar installations will produce approximately 5,100,000 kilowatt hours per year. It is estimated that the university's solar projects will collectively prevent more than 158 million pounds of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere over the next 25 years.

"This partnership is an excellent example of how UC San Diego is working with industry leaders to improve our community and our planet," said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla, "UC San Diego has truly become a living laboratory for climate change research and solutions. Our clean energy initiatives are part of our comprehensive approach to creating a more sustainable future."

The Sustain UCSD website states that UC San Diego is where sustainability comes alive in education, research and campus operations, which is evident on campus and to the academic community-at-large. UC San Diego has received recognition and awards for their sustainability efforts and initiatives, and was named one of the greenest colleges in the United States by the Princeton Review.

"Our campus is a leader in energy advancements," said Dave Weil, UC San Diego director of building commissioning and sustainability, "UC San Diego generates more than 90 percent of its electricity with an ultra-clean and efficient natural-gas-fired cogeneration plant, renewable energy fuel cell and solar photovoltaics and we're making progress toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2025."

For more details about UC San Diego sustainability projects, visit http://sustainability.ucsd.edu/. For addition details about Sullivan Solar Power, visit www.SullivanSolarPower.com.

About Sullivan Solar Power

Sullivan Solar Power is a turnkey solar system provider that delivers solar electric projects from concept to completion. The company has installed over 18,500,000 watts of solar power ranging from small-scale residential to large-scale commercial and municipal systems. Sullivan Solar Power is headquartered in San Diego, CA and owned and operated by Dan Sullivan. Sullivan Solar Power has a longstanding A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints filed since the business began. The firm has been named one of the fastest growing energy companies in the nation by Inc. Magazine for three consecutive years and services all of Southern California. Regardless of project size and scope, Sullivan is committed to delivering the best products and the most qualified professionals to its customers. Visit http://www.sullivansolarpower.com for more information.