New SJ Solar Plant to Add to City's Green Reputation
A recent study finds that San Jose has the highest concentration of solar power in the entire state, and the city's newest installation unveiled Thursday will power an entire office building.
U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, joined San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and other officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for the new solar panel installation at a Silicon Valley company's headquarters.Click to Listen
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Power Integrations, a San Jose-based supplier of high-voltage circuits that provide energy-efficient power for a variety of electronic products, powered up a $3.6 million photovoltaic installation that includes more than 2,500 solar panels.
The system provides 600 kilowatts of energy, according to the company.
Lofgren, Reed, and former California Public Utilities Commissioner Arthur Rosenfeld were among the dignitaries on hand this morning to celebrate the company's investment in clean technology in a project that also helped create jobs, said Dave Low, a policy analyst for Reed.
"Power Integrations is a great example of how Silicon Valley companies are embracing clean tech innovation," Reed said in a statement.
"Between the company's own line of energy-efficient products and its expansive new solar installation, Power Integrations is playing a key role in helping San Jose achieve its green vision goals," he said.
Installed over a six-month period, the system is expected to cut more than 10,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the next 25 years. The panels are located in the company's parking lot, and are designed to provide shade for employees' cars.
