Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

Solar Panels Installed on IRWD Reservoir

Irvine Ranch Water District is installing more than 800 solar panels on the roof of the IRWD Zone 3 drinking water reservoir located north of Irvine Boulevard on Magazine Road. When the panels go online this summer, they will produce enough energy to offset approximately 330,000 kilowatt hours of electricity needed per year.  The energy supplied will be more than half of what is needed to operate the facility. The greenhouse gas reduction equivalent is approximately the same as taking 45 passenger vehicles off the roads for a year.

"This renewable energy project not only cuts energy costs and lowers water bills, but also is a testament to IRWD’s commitment to environmental stewardship.” said Tom Bonkowski, project manager for IRWD.

The seven million gallon circular reservoir was chosen for the project because of its remote location. Only six feet of the reservoir is visible above the ground, the remaining 30 feet is below the ground. The solar panels face south for maximum power generation and are tilted at a 10 degree angle.

For more on the IRWD solar energy programs and environmental stewardship, please visit our website.