Solar systems touch ground

Solar electricity systems are being installed at nine park and dam operation offices in California that are expected to provide as much as 41 percent of each office’s electricity needs, according to a press release from the Sacramento office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The solar systems, which are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, are being installed at nine U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District offices as a part of an organization-wide commitment to sustainability. The solar panels are expected to provide up to 41 percent of each office’s electricity use and reduce more than 28,000 pounds of greenhouse gases each year—equivalent to planting six acres of trees.

The first system was completed at New Hogan Lake at the end of February. All nine system installations, including one at Black Butte Lake, are expected to be completed by June.