February 06, 2012 | Recreation Centers of Sun City, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has approved a 2.2 MW photovoltaic solar project, which will generate approximately 4 million kWh annually. The new solar electric systems will be installed at all seven Recreation Centers, Bell Lanes, Lakeview Lanes and some of the golf maintenance facilities. These solar electric systems will not only save the organization an estimated $937,255 over the next 15 years but also provide shade for automobiles under newly installed solar panel carport structures. The new solar energy systems will include an estimated 14,000 solar panels and produce the same amount of energy it takes to power 347 homes.
In addition to the photovoltaic solar electric systems above, the RCSC will install new “thermal solar” systems. These thermal solar systems will be used at the Bell and Oakmont Recreation Centers to assist in heating swimming pools. The solar water heating systems will reduce natural gas heating expenses by saving over $900,000 in 15 years by employing 351 unglazed solar thermal panels. Oakmont Recreation Center will also use a small Capstone Micro Turbine generator to supply electric power to the center, and capture waste heat from the exhaust to provide remaining heat demand of the pools and domestic hot water. These projects were made possible through Federal, State, Southwest Gas and APS incentives. RCSC resources state that the installation is the largest solar commitment by any community in the state.
RCSC has chosen Wilson Electric to provide the solar electric systems and Global Renewable Energy, “teamed” with Priceless Plumbing, as the installation contractor to provide the solar water heating systems for this project, which should be installed and online by the end of the year.
Recreation Centers of Sun City, Inc. provides golf, bowling and recreation and fitness centers, and a variety of other services to the active Sun City, Arizona community. For more information on the community’s services, see the website at www.sunaz.com.