Sonoma County Solar Installation at Juvenile Hall Saves $

New photovoltaic system at 
Juvenile Justice Center 

will reduce green house gases emissions by 662 tons per year, 
save $3.2 million and produce local private sector jobs.

In May 2010, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved the installation of a 750 kilowatt solar energy system at the Los Guilicos Juvenile Justice Center. This project will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 662 tons per year, save the County $3.2 million dollars and help produce 45 private sector jobs in the community. The Solar Array is being funded by future energy savings financing, federal stimulus funds and utility rebates.

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Valerie Brown commented, “This is a smart investment in sustainability. At a time when the county budget is strained, this endeavor will reduce our costs and our climate impact. This is exactly the type of enterprise our county needs and it eloquently reflects our Board’s economic and environmental goals.”

Jose Obregon, Director of County General Services added, “The Juvenile Hall will have 80% of its energy needs provided by a clean renewable source, the Sun, and at a reduced price. Our innovative public-private partnership with Aircon has yielded a 30% per watt savings compared with average solar arrays. This means instead of paying $8.00 per watt, we will be paying only $5.75 per watt and this project will have a positive cash flow from day one!”

The total cost for the project is $4.6 million and during its life time it will generate over $3.2 million in net savings. The Los Guilicos Solar Array, located at Juvenile Justice Center at Los Guilicos Campus, 7425 Rancho Los Guilicos Rd., Santa Rosa, is one of 38 county facility energy efficiency projects slated for 24 county buildings that will ultimately save $41.6 million in energy use once completed.