SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Intersolar North America announced the winners of the 2014 Intersolar AWARD for Solar Projects in North America during a special ceremony on the opening day of the exhibition. In addition to recognizing exemplary PV projects, the award ceremony also honored California Public Utilities Commission President Michael Peevey with the first-ever Champion of Change AWARD, bestowed in conjunction with the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA) to an individual who demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting renewable energy at the national and international levels.
"For three years, the Intersolar AWARD program has singled out landmark projects in North America that represent major technological, economical and environmental achievements," said Markus Elsässer, CEO of Solar Promotion International, an organizer of Intersolar North America. "This year's winners demonstrated how well designed systems that utilize the latest technologies to deliver cost-effective solar energy could benefit a variety of customer requirements. These projects, from off-grid applications to mid-sized systems to utility-scale installations, highlight solar energy's versatility and show that the industry is well on its way toward maturation."
Solar Projects in North America Winners Join Champion of Change On Stage
The Intersolar AWARD winners for Solar Projects in North America were judged on pioneering character, uniqueness, economic benefits, benefits for the environment and society, degree of technical innovation and proof of innovation. An independent committee of industry experts chose three AWARD winners: The Agua Caliente Solar Project by First Solar; the Whole Foods Solar Carport by Solaire Generation; and the Alcatraz Island Micro-Grid by Princeton Power Systems.
• First Solar won the award for its Agua Caliente Solar Project, a 290 MW project that is currently the largest fully operational PV power plant and covers 2,400 acres in Yuma County, Ariz. First Solar developed, engineered, constructed and operates the system, which was designed to minimize land disturbances and to maximize stability, reliability and cost-effectiveness. This project revolutionizes how solar integrates with the power grid.
• Solaire Generation Inc. won the award with the Whole Foods Market Solar Carport. The 325-kilowatt installation is New York's largest solar carport, and, in addition to generating enough energy to meet 20 percent of the store's demand, the eye-catching project showcases how solar power can be integrated with other green initiatives such as rainwater harvesting and brownfield re-development. The carport has a capacity to recover 30,000 gallons of rainwater and is educating shoppers with its unique design of both the practical and aesthetic potential of solar.
• Princeton Power System won the award with its distinctive Alcatraz Island Microgrid System. Created as a response to failures of conventional energy sources, Alcatraz is a pioneer in energy independence. Princeton Power Systems cooperated with the U.S. National Park Service and created a system that provides more than 80 percent of the island's electricity needs for the one million visitors that come every year. The 400kW system creatively utilizes prison spaces, such as old generator rooms and rooftops, and integrates cutting-edge technologies without compromising the historic quality of the site and making the system invisible to the outside viewer.
This year's winners joined the Intersolar Champion of Change AWARD winner Michael Peevey onstage to receive their honors in front of Intersolar North America exhibitors and attendees. Mr. Peevey has lead initiatives to maximize energy efficiency and integrate renewable energy while advocating for new technologies that can deliver high-quality energy services.
"By expanding our AWARD program to honor individuals alongside technologies and key projects, we are highlighting the people and the ideas that drive the industry," added Klaus Seilnacht, CEO of FMMI International GmbH, an organizer of Intersolar North America. "The solar industry needs advocates like Michael Peevey. We are excited to continue to recognize the people who have helped make North America one of the largest solar markets in the world."
The event capped off an eventful first day of the Intersolar North America exhibition, which will welcome approximately 18,000 attendees over three days to Moscone West in San Francisco. Nearly 550 exhibitors from 25 countries will showcase the latest technologies and services shaping the solar industry, including advances in photovoltaics, solar thermal, solar heating and cooling, energy storage and eMobility. Exhibitor workshops and special programs will provide attendees with opportunities to learn how to design and build more cost-effective and reliable systems, and help expand the amount of solar online.
For more information on Intersolar North America, visit: http://www.intersolar.us