$20M Solar Project Breaks Ground In Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY (KCBS) – The County of Santa Clara is joining the green rush as they have broken ground on a $20 million solar project.

Thousands of solar panels will be installed on four county buildings, including the Civic Center Complex next to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department.

Stronghold Engineering Inc. is installing the solar panels and Executive Vice President Chuck Gossage said the projects are a significant step in the right direction towards a green future.

"We're designing and constructing what's called a 4.2 megawatt photovoltaic system that will generate the power of about 6 million kilowatts a year," said Gossage. "That's equivalent to 350 homes, saving 500,000 gallons of gasoline a year or getting 800 cars off the street on an annual basis."

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman was on hand for Friday's groundbreaking and said the projects will have widespread effects.

"The idea is for the creation of more jobs. This is estimated to bring in an additional 92 jobs," said Wasserman. "It's also estimated to reduce the cost and usage of electricity in this immediate area by 17-20 percent."

The Santa Clara County Generating Green initiative will also include projects at the Berger Service Center, Elmwood Complex and Valley Health Clinic.

Major construction is scheduled to start next month with completion expected by this November.

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