Los Angeles AFB goes 'green' by harnessing solar energy

  • Published
  • By P. A. Tezuka
  • Space & Missile Systems Center Public Affairs
LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) --  The energy department of the 61st Civil Engineer and Logistics Squadron recently finished the final portion of its three-phase construction of a photovoltaic panel project, completing the north-side parking lot of the base.

Using state-of-the-art panels, the "PV Canopy Project" is part of Los Angeles Air Force Base's $2.1 million Energy Reductions Project, and will measurably cut the base's energy consumption.

"The Air Force is leading the way right now with renewable energy-type of projects," said Ed Wilson, the 61st CELS project manager. "When we compare ourselves with the civilian world, the Air Force is pretty close to being neck-and-neck with getting into the 'green' business."

"The 12-foot high T-span (canopy) stands on a central column with a roof extending on either side," Mr. Wilson said. "Built above the existing parking spaces, it eliminates the standard four-posted structure, making it easier for vehicles to maneuver around them. It is high enough so personal vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks and standard utility vehicles can easily park underneath it.

"The approximately 42-feet wide by 700-feet long roof provides vehicles a welcome shade during hot, sunny days," he said. "The vehicles parked under the canopies will also be more comfortable when entering, and drivers will be using less gasoline because they will not have to turn on their air conditioning units as much to cool down their vehicles."

The 5-degree, western tilt of the panels is designed to maximize the effect of the afternoon sun, which coincides with the peak demand on energy by the base.

"One of the biggest benefits to the base is that the greatest amount of energy that will be produced by the solar panels will be at the time when we have the greatest time of demand for energy, typically in the afternoon," Mr. Wilson said. "So when we're using this energy, it's saving us on what's called the 'demand profile.' We are able to reduce peak demand and cost, which is pretty significant to the base."

The energy collected by the PV system will be used everywhere from lighting, to heating and cooling the buildings, to running the computers. Since energy costs are paid to Southern California Edison from the base's operating budget, the savings will be spent on other projects that are designed to improve the quality of life for people at the base.

"Whatever we produce (from the solar panels), we will not draw off the Edison meter," Mr. Wilson said. "All the energy that is produced will be consumed by the base. On the Edison meter, it will show less energy consumption."

The project is two-fold, saving the base money and saving California's energy, Mr. Wilson said. In addition, by going "green" with the use of the solar panels, Los Angeles AFB is contributing to the global conservation of ever-depleting natural resources.

"Yes, it's a green source," Mr. Wilson said. "We are using a non-fossil-fuel-based source for the base by using solar energy.

"It benefits everybody," he said. "It puts less stress on the grid, which reduces the necessity to provide new electrical infrastructure outside of the base for the taxpayers ... and at the same time reduces our electrical usage, thereby reducing our cost, which again has the advantage of reducing the burden on taxpayers."

Unlike private industries, which make their economic decisions based on the immediate profit margin, government institutions can look into the future when planning for an energy-saving project, Mr. Wilson said. The bottom line is to spend the available budget the best way possible.

"We're not here to make a profit," Mr. Wilson said. "We're here to save the taxpayers' dollars, and so, therefore, we have the advantage of looking at the bigger picture."

Other energy reduction projects the 61st CELS is working on include upgrading the heating and air conditioning control systems, and adding roof-top PV panels for even more energy and dollar savings.