United States Navy to Deploy Largest Federal Solar Electric System in the Nation; 750 kW Photovoltaic System Installed at Naval Base Coronado, California.

Business Editors/Energy Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 8, 2002

Navy Region Southwest announced today that it has deployed the largest federal solar photovoltaic system in the nation.

This system is a unique solar electric carport at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, which makes innovative use of existing parking space. The installation is comprised of two contiguous solar arrays, covering a half-mile long parking structure that serves US Navy personnel. In addition to providing shade for parked cars, the system generates the equivalent energy during the day to power over 935 homes. This 750 kW solar electric system will reduce the demand on California's power grid, as well as improve air quality by avoiding thousands of tons of polluting nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide emissions.

"The deployment of solar power at Navy Region Southwest demonstrates the Navy's commitment to using energy management practices that reduce energy consumption and control costs," said Commander Pat Rios, NBC Public Works Officer. "Using clean generation is very consistent with our base's mission of leveraging superior operational expertise and technologies."

"Solar power proved to be the ideal energy solution for Naval Base Coronado," noted Lieutenant Commander Wade Wilhelm, Navy Region Southwest Utilities Program Manager. "The photovoltaic system combines the environmental benefits of solar with the ability to provide on-site power that serves to reduce our vulnerability to disruptions of the power grid."

"Installing solar photovoltaics at governmental agencies and private corporations is a sound, sensible way for us to use distributed energy resources to meet our renewable energy goals as well as reduce operating costs," noted Beth Shearer, Director of the Federal Energy Management Program. "In addition, deploying these technologies assures our energy independence and national security."

The 750 kW solar electric system was implemented as part of an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) project developed by NORESCO of Westborough, MA. The photovoltaic system was designed, manufactured and installed by PowerLight Corporation of Berkeley, CA. This photovoltaic system will produce approximately 1,244,000 kWh per year and is expected to save over $228,000 in annual operating costs by avoiding purchases of expensive peak electricity.

This energy project was made possible through the Department of Energy's Western Region Super ESPC, developed and executed by the Navy's ESPC team comprised of the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Contracts Office.

"NORESCO sees the installation of solar electricity as integral to the energy improvements being made at Navy Region Southwest," said NORESCO Senior Vice President Neil Petchers. "Navy Region Southwest's vision to implement innovative technologies is fantastic, and our strong partnership with them as well as Naval Facilities Engineering Services Center, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Contracts Office and the Department of Energy has been instrumental in making the project a reality. All parties involved are truly committed to making the Navy more energy and cost efficient, with minimal impact to the environment."

"We commend the Navy for taking such a strong leadership role in implementing clean, renewable solar power," said PowerLight President Dan Shugar. "Wider deployment of onsite solar generation is helping to secure our nation's energy independence and national security."

This system is the latest renewable or distributed generation system deployed by Navy Region Southwest. Other installations include three solar electric systems totaling 130 kW, wind generating capacity of 675 kW on San Clemente Island, 120 kW of microturbine technology at Naval Base Coronado as well as several fuel cell demonstration programs.

"Resource Efficiency Managers have been instrumental in developing energy and water saving projects, improving energy efficiency, and reducing energy costs at Navy Region Southwest," said Lieutenant Commander Wilhelm.

About Navy Region Southwest

As the Naval shore installation management headquarters for the Southwest region (California, Arizona and Nevada), Navy Region Southwest provides coordination of base operating support functions for operating forces throughout the region. This includes providing expertise in areas such as housing, environmental, security, family services, port services, air services, bachelor quarters, supply, medical and logistical concerns for the hundreds of thousands of active-duty, reserve and retired military members in the area. The command also serves as the regional coordinator for the Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, headquartered in Hawaii, coordinating support for bases in Southern California and Nevada.

About the Navy ESPC Team

The Navy ESPC Team is comprised of engineering and technical professionals from the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC), contracts and legal professionals from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Contracts Office (NAVFACCO), Port Hueneme, CA and is managed by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFACENGCOM) Headquarters, Washington, DC. The Team's mission is the promotion and implementation of alternative financed energy projects among Navy and Marine Corps shore facilities as a means of achieving energy and water conservation goals. Equipped with a full range of technical, contractual, and legal support services, the team provides support to Navy and Marine Corps ESPC projects world-wide.

About NORESCO

NORESCO (www.noresco.com) is one of the nation's leading energy services company providing comprehensive and proven energy-efficiency solutions, infrastructure development and asset optimization strategies to a wide range of customers. A whole owned subsidiary of Pittsburgh-based Equitable Resources, an integrated energy company with $2.5 billion in assets and annual operating revenues of $1.7 billion, NORESCO has installed over $1.4 billion of proven energy solutions in more than 20,000 facilities and has built on-site energy facilities that generate more than 300 megawatts of power.

About PowerLight

PowerLight Corporation (www.powerlight.com) is the leading manufacturer of commercial-scale solar electric products and services. Founded in 1991, PowerLight's distributed generation products produce reliable, affordable clean power for businesses and government agencies worldwide. Inc Magazine has ranked the PowerLight Corporation among the top 500 fastest growing privately held companies in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Today, PowerLight has worldwide offices and a full line of commercial solar electric products.

About Tetra Tech

Tetra Tech (www.tetratech.com) is a leading provider of specialized management consulting and technical services in three principal business areas: resource management, infrastructure and communications. The company's clients include a diverse base of public and private sector organizations served by more than 7,000 employees located at 150 offices. Tetra Tech is the leading provider of Resource Efficiency Managers to federal agencies.