The U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) and REC Solar announced the interconnection of two solar energy carports totaling 280 kW at USAR offices in Arizona and California. The solar arrays support the Department of Defense’s (DoD) mandate of procuring 25 percent of its total facility energy from renewable sources by 2025.
REC Solar provided the engineering, procurement and construction services for the solar carport installations. Federal Prison Industries (FPI), a U.S. government corporation, was the contracting agency and provided the system modules.
“REC Solar’s track record of installing high-quality solar energy systems for government agencies gave us the confidence that REC would complete this project right and on time,” said Stewart Fearon, Director of Public Works for the 63rd Regional Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve. “By working with REC Solar and Federal Prison Industries, these solar projects provide dependable renewable energy for the long term. We’re also pleased to provide quality, meaningful jobs for the 21st century that can help rehabilitate inmates.”
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Under FPI oversight, inmates from the federal prison system engaged in high-skill jobs manufacturing the solar modules, which are incorporated into federal solar arrays. USAR’s solar carports will provide shading for employee and soldier parking, and offset carbon emissions equivalent to burning 521 barrels of oil annually.
REC Solar has done a lot of work with federal agencies. REC Solar now counts more than 32 MW across 35 federal projects, including VA Tucson, FAA TRACON and VA West Los Angeles. Backed by Duke Energy, one of the largest energy companies in the world, REC Solar provides high-quality solar energy systems for federal agencies that need systems to stand the test of time.
— Solar Builder magazine
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