Fremont, Calif.-based Nevada Solar Works LLC, a partnership between Q&D Construction, CleanPath Renewables, and Alternative Energy Solutions, has won a contract to build 1.3MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects for the City of Reno, Nev. The Reno City Council recently announced the contract, approving a 1MW fixed-tilt, ground-mount system at the Reno-Stead Water Treatment Plant and 295kW in fixed-tilt, roof- and ground-mount installations at five other locations throughout the city.
“Nevada Solar Works LLC applauds the City of Reno for investing in new jobs and clean, affordable sources of energy,” said Tim Kretzschmar, senior VP of Q&D Construction. “The Nevada Solar Works team has vast experience building PV projects both in Nevada and throughout the United States, and we are confident we will deliver this project on schedule for the citizens of Reno.”
The projects are being built at no additional costs to the City of Reno. Funding is being provided by a combination of rebates from NV Energy, federal tax incentives, and payments for the energy produced by the array. It is estimated that these arrays will save the city $2.5 million over the next 20 years, while generating more than 60 jobs in design, engineering, materials fabrication and construction.
"Nevada has a tremendous opportunity to create a sustainable green collar economy, and these projects are a great example of the potential for solar in Nevada,” said Scott Gerz, director of business development at CleanPath Renewables.
The City of Reno solar project is the first statewide request for proposal (RFP) to build renewable energy that takes advantage of AB 186, a Nevada state law passed in October 2009 that allows for third-party ownership of renewable energy generation systems. The new law effectively allows businesses, institutions and governments to purchase solar arrays without up-front capital costs. They can save money by paying long-term fixed rates on the energy generated. In concert with NV Energy’s RenewableGenerations program, AB 186 has paved the way for clean renewable energy projects to be realized across Nevada.
Construction on the first of the seven projects is scheduled to begin in October 2010. City properties that will be utilized for hosting the solar power projects include:
- Reno-Stead Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Corporation Yard at 1640 E. Commercial Rd.
- Neil Rd. Recreation Center
- Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows
- Nell J. Redfield Health Center
- Fire Stations 3, 11, and 18
