In CA, Even The Prisons "Go Green"

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has been going green, and the resulting estimated reduced electricity costs for the state are proof of its success.

California is known for its green initiatives. For example, just this year San Diego solar power projects have given the city the title of the country's most-solar city. However, the state wanted to reach out from just the cities and expand its solar initiatives. In order to preserve its reputation and reduce energy costs simultaneously, state and county officials, teamed with solar companies and utility systems, came up with the idea of powering correctional facilities using clean, green solar power, and using excess power for the local grid.

The prison sustainability initiative, which started in 2006, is now in full force. It is expected to save the state's taxpayers more than $45 million. Many of the prisons are located in remote, deserted areas, which in fact are prime locations for solar panel placement.

The solar prison-power plants are located at California Correctional Institution, Chuckawalla Valley State Prison, Ironwood State Prison, and North Kern State Prison. The solar energy generated by the systems is approximately 25 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to

provide enough clean energy to power around 65,00 homes, and offset more than 730 million pounds of CO₂ emissions over the next twenty years. This offset is the equivalent of removing 72,000 cars off the road.

In total, the prison sites have over 83,000 panels installed on the sites. The installations in total cover 25 percent of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation energy costs and use.

Thanks to the solar prison initiatives, San Diego solar projects won't be the only ones making headlines!