U.S. Air Force Academy Powers Up: E Light Wind and Solar Installs 6 MW Solar Photovoltaic System

May 4, 2011 - PRLog -- The source for design-build, renewable projects, E Light Wind and Solar, Inc. is proud to announce the completion of a 6-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. E Light was subcontracted by SunPower Corporation (Nasdaq- SPWRA, SPWRB) to perform all civil, engineering and installation of the system. Groundbreaking of the 30-acre site commenced in November 2010 and the system will be commissioned later this summer.

The project was planned in cooperation with Colorado Springs Utilities, which is publicly owned. SunPower Corporation will own and operate the power plant. This project was funded by the Air Force with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

PREFAB EXPERTISE
Efficient installation is key to a successful jobsite. This project involved extensive use of E Light’s own Prefabrication Department, based in Englewood, Colorado. 18,888 solar panels were set to exact specifications for spacing, depth and squared to the racking assembly using prefabricated tools. Additionally, over 9,400 total linear feet of medium and DC voltage cabling were installed underground with precise spacing in the trench.

LEAN CONSTRUCTION
This project demonstrated many principles of Lean Construction, which emphasizes coordination between design and construction. E Light Project Superintendent, Matt Adams was involved in the electrical design process from the beginning. “This design-build project let us provide input to SunPower’s designers on how the system would be built. In turn, this allowed the design to be modified before the final drawings were issued,” said Adams in a statement.

EARTH DAY INVOLVEMENT
As the project at the USAFA comes to a close, E Light employees participated in an Earth Day event on Friday, April 22nd at local elementary school, Antelope Trails Elementary. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, many of the students’ parents work at the USAFA.

“E Light was proud to support the local community in this fun activity to teach students about renewable energy,” said E Light Colorado Springs Area Manager, Jason Wheeler. At the event, over 100 fifth graders were taught about renewable energy including: who invented the first solar panel; the first applications of solar power; and how solar power works at the USAFA.

According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates, the system at the Air Force Academy will avoid more than 9,400 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, the equivalent of removing 40,900 cars from Colorado’s highways over 25 years.

RENEWABLE EXPERIENCE
E Light has installed more than 79 MW of renewable energy across the United States. Their work includes additional ARRA projects for federal agencies such as a 6.7 MW solar photovoltaic project at the Denver Federal Center, scheduled for completion in December of this year. For further information, please visit www.ewindsolar.com.

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E Light Wind and Solar, Inc. is a Colorado owned and operated electrical construction company with a focus on renewable energy projects. Our capabilities include the installation and maintenance of solar and wind energy systems. Our skilled electricians have experience in multiple installation applications and can handle any project, large or small. We are licensed nationwide to perform any renewable project. For further information, visit www.ewindsolar.com.