REC Solar, an enterprise in solar system design and installation, celebrates the commissioning of a 1 MW solar energy system at the Ventura County Todd Road Jail facility. The new project represents a doubling of solar power capacity for the County of Ventura and is projected to save approximately $180,000 in electricity costs and offset 40 percent of the jail facility’s electricity needs annually.

REC Solar was selected to design and construct the ground mount system on a 180-day construction timeline, during which the jail continued its day-to-day operations. Despite the aggressive timeframe, campus electricity was disrupted briefly only during final interconnection. REC Solar also navigated complex space constraints, working around the existing parking lot and the footprint of a future building to create a unique, non-rectangular design. The project will generate 1,908 MWh annually while saving CO2 emissions equivalent to diverting 496 tons of waste from landfill. To date, the system has met and exceeded target performance goals.

This is the second solar project REC Solar has installed for the County of Ventura. In January, REC Solar dedicated a 1.1 MW solar energy system at the Moorpark Wastewater Treatment Plant, which produces 2,235 MWh annually and is meeting 75 percent of the water reclamation facility’s energy needs.

“REC Solar’s deep expertise installing solar power systems for government agencies was key to our successful installation at Todd Road Jail,” said Ryan Work, Business Development Manager for REC Solar. “Over our 15 year history, we’ve completed 81 solar systems for public agencies. These projects come with a unique set of challenges, including keeping facilities open during construction, meeting extended project lifespan requirements and developing the project at an affordable price point approved by taxpayers. Both our projects with Ventura County met and exceeded these challenges.”

“Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint, primarily by implementing energy conservation measures and also by installing solar PV systems. The Todd Road Jail solar PV system goes a long way towards helping us reach our greenhouse gas reduction target.” said Paul R. Young, Acting Chief Deputy Director with the County of Ventura. “We were impressed with REC Solar’s reliable and durable installation at the Moorpark Wastewater Treatment Plant and are pleased that they did the same at our Todd Road Jail facility.”