by jbs022410 j5 — March 1, 2010—Honeywell announced February 18 that it has installed the first of two solar photovoltaic arrays for the City of Wilmington, Delaware, with up-front financing covered by a low-interest American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) loan of more than $9.5 million.
The solar installations, which will consist of almost 3,400 panels, are part of a broader $14.5-million energy retrofit and renewable energy program that will decrease utility costs and greenhouse gas emissions tied to city-owned facilities and infrastructure. The program will help the city meet its environmental commitments under the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and is expected to create or sustain more than 80 jobs.
The energy improvements are expected to reduce electricity consumption by an estimated 2.8-million kilowatt-hours per year and to decrease carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 4.4-million pounds each year. The city will pay for the entire program from the energy savings the upgrades produce, with guaranteed savings from Honeywell and an additional $16 million in savings expected above the guaranteed amount over the course of the contract.
Additional work under the program included the installation of a booster pumping station; converting city traffic lights to light-emitting diode (LED) technology; and upgrading lighting and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) controls and equipment in eleven Public Works and Public Safety Department facilities. Phase II improvements include a renewable energy and bio-solids facility for Wilmington’s wastewater treatment plant.
