Fortinet, a provider of network security appliances, has flipped the switch on a 900-kW solar electric system which blankets its Santa Clara, Calif., corporate campus. Fortinet’s commitment to sustainable business practices is now clearly exhibited with the installation of this commercial solar energy system which covers two rooftops and three parking lots.
“This is a great example of the investments being made in solar across the U.S. by technology companies and other commercial businesses,” says Julia Hamm, President and CEO of Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA), “Nearly 6,000 MW of solar capacity is forecasted to come online in the U.S. in 2014, which represents a 26% increase over the record annual growth achieved in 2013. Solar remains the nation’s fastest growing electric energy source due to commercial solar projects like this one.”
“Our dedication to on-site green energy improves the quality of life in the communities where we operate,” said Drew Del Matto, CFO of Fortinet. “By leveraging the proven business case for distributed generation and solar for business our commitment to solar energy is making progress towards Fortinet’s goal of using renewable energy, creating sustainable operations, and establishing ourselves in the Bay Area as a trendsetter to encourage other businesses to go green.”
Fortinet contracted with Blue Oak Energy to design and install this campus solar carport and rooftop project. The new distributed solar energy facility is comprised of 3148 Canadian Solar modules, located on rooftop and parking-structure locations. In addition to generating clean energy onsite, the parking canopies offer shade and cooling to the staff’s vehicles during daytime work hours.
The Fortinet campus tenant improvements and solar projects were managed by FaciliCorp, a San Jose based Project Management firm. Megan Lovelace of FaciliCorp commented: “Blue Oak Energy delivered this project with the professional expertise and personal attention the client was seeking. This active corporate campus required the professional care and attention to detail that Blue Oak offered. We could not be more pleased.”
Blue Oak Energy’s mission is to streamline large scale solar energy projects so that the adoption of solar electricity becomes widely accessible. The company continues to grow by delivering solar for businesses and solar design for utility projects across the United States. Today, Blue Oak Energy has delivered solar electric systems on over 600 distinct locations, across more than 30 states totaling more than 780 MW.
“We are thrilled to have delivered this landmark campus solar project,” explained Tobin Booth, CEO of Blue Oak Energy. “This commercial solar energy carport and commercial solar rooftop project will generate power economically for Fortinet’s campus over the next thirty years. We are delighted to have been selected to deliver this project and we are enthused to continue operating and maintaining this site going forward.”
— Solar Builder magazine
[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/blue-oak-energy-installs-900-kw-rooftopcarport-solar-system/]
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