The U.S. Navy has ambitiously committed to meeting half of its energy needs with renewable energy technologies by 2020. The Navy recently announced plans to develop distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for naval facilities in Hawaii. The projects are expected to be issued within the next 12 months and completed by August 2016.
The $500 million contract will fund the installation of PV arrays on more than 11 Navy rooftops, parking structures and vacant parcels of land. Out of 13 bids, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific has selected three companies to develop the projects. Photon Finance, Island Pacific Energy and Pacific Energy Solutions will now compete over design, construction, ownership, and operation and maintenance duties for the facilities.
Designated locations include Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield. The Navy will purchase the electricity generated by the PV systems under 20-year power purchase agreements.
“Photon is pleased to have been recognized by the Navy as having the proven expertise to develop third-party financed solar projects,” said Reid Rutherford, chief executive officer for Photon Finance. “Solar is becoming more competitive yearly. Our innovative solar finance structures offer the Navy an excellent way to save money while reducing reliance on international energy sources.”