JEA has completed the first phase of a program to make local government buildings more efficient users of electricity and water by installing solar panels atop City Hall.
JEA and the City started the program in the fall of 2002. Since then, JEA and its energy services subcontractor, Chevron Energy Solutions, have installed solar systems at City Hall, the Osborn Center and the Police Memorial Building.
In some cases, solar power is converted to AC electricity and fed into the building’s power supply, resulting in a slight reduction in energy bills. In other cases, solar thermal systems are used to preheat water sent to the building’s water heater, which is typically the second largest energy user in a building or home.
All of the installations will also help JEA meet a voluntary goal to attain 7.5 percent of electric generating capacity from renewable resources, such as solar, by 2015.