DWP Project Harnesses Sunlight into Energy.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 1998--Through an innovative new program, residential customers of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) can now sign up to be on the cutting edge of producing an environmentally friendly energy resource -- photovoltaic rooftop systems -- that converts a nonpolluting form of energy -- sunlight -- into electricity.

The $1.2 million Residential Photovoltaic Program, approved July 21 by the board of Water and Power Commissioners, authorizes materials and purchases for the installation of up to 125 systems over the next 12-month period.

"We are delighted to participate in this program to bring photovoltaic systems from the drafting board of technology to private utilization," said DWP General Manager David Freeman. "Participating customers benefit not only by serving as pioneers of this exciting new energy source, but also by contributing to the entire city of Los Angeles since the power from the rooftop installation is delivered directlyinto the DWP's power grid."

Freeman said that rooftop solar systems are expected to become more economical in a few years, and that the pilot effort hopefully will grow and contribute to achieving the national million solar roofing goal by 2010 established by President Clinton.

The DWP has already installed six rooftop systems in the greater Los Angeles area as part of a pilot program that began last April. A total of 12 systems were approved as part of the pilot program. The newly approved Residential Photovoltaic Program further expands the pilot effort.

"This program is good not only for our customers but also for the environment by providing a clean source of generation that helps reduce local air pollution and any harmful effects of global warming," said Freeman. "It is also good for the city by providing a new source of jobs and spurring economic development. It is our intent to demonstrate the viability of this resource and to encourage its economic benefits in bringing jobs into the city."

The photovoltaic system operates by converting the energy from radiated light -- which is composed of photons -- into electricity. The photovoltaic array consists of six panels that are each made up of six 75-watt modules. Electricity from the array is converted from direct current to alternating current by an inverter before it is delivered to the power grid.

Each rooftop system produces an average of 10 kilowatt-hours per day, or about two-thirds the amount of energy needed for an average Los Angeles home.

Under the Residential Photovoltaic Program, a home ideally should have an asphalt shingle roof that is less than 10 years old. Additionally, about 250 square feet of roof space on a south or southwest portion of the roof is required with no shading between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Residential Photovoltaic Program is part of a series of innovative new programs being launched this summer under the Public Benefits Program mandated by AB1890, California's utility restructuring law. The legislation includes specific provisions for funding energy and environmental conservation, research, new technology development projects, and programs to benefit and assist low-income customers.

Homeowners interested in participating in DWP's Residential Photovoltaic Program should contact Hoddy Rupp at 213/367-3832 for additional information.

Residents and business owners also are invited to attend the first-of-a-kind DWP Clean Energy Fair, July 28-29, at the California ScienCenter in Exposition Park, south of downtown Los Angeles. During the two-day fair, the latest technologies in solar energy systems and energy efficiency will be on display. Attendees also will have the opportunity to test-drive the latest electric vehicles, which will be available for "ride and drives" at the fair.

    CONTACT:  Department of Water and Power, City of Los Angeles
               Valerie Roberts Gray, 213/367-1337
                      213/367-3227 (non-business hours)