Siemens Transportation Systems Inc. (STS), part of the Siemens Mobility Division, approved the installation of a 1 megawatt (MW) solar energy system at its Sacramento light rail anufacturing facility to be completed by mid- to late-October 2008. STS is the first privately owned company in California’s capitol to install a photovoltaic system of this agnitude -- twice the size of any privately installed system in the Sacramento Area. The system is expected to generate 29,664,213 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity over the first 20 ears and is equal to approximately 150 average-size residential solar panel systems.

Using the California Energy Commission’s Clean Power Estimator, Siemens calculates that its new 1-MW photovoltaic system impacts the environment by preventing 737 tons of O2 annually and is equivalent to removing 7,933 cars from the road and to planting about 200 acres of trees a year. “The ability to better utilize our site, achieve operational cost avings and reduce our energy footprint from the power grid were excellent reasons to move forward with bringing an alternative energy source to our manufacturing facility”, tated Oliver Hauck, president and CEO of STS. “Aside from the positive business advantages, a 1-MW photovoltaic system will offset our energy demand during peak periods and allow us to contribute energy back to the power grid for positive environmental benefits.” Known for providing mobility for more livable cities, STS now advances sustainability in California by using solar energy. STS manufactures energy efficient light rail cars and developed Sitras SES, an energy storage technology for rail systems.

Siemens Mobility is working together with Siemens Building Technologies to install, service and maintain the SHARP poly-crystalline modules used for the system. Over 5,175 solar modules will be installed to power the One Mega Watt system. The modules will be placed above an assembly building and will cover the facility’s parking lot which, as an additional positive side effect, will provide employees with shade and protection from rain. The system will be approximately two acres in size.