Almaden Solar Project
The Almaden Campus Solar Port project was designed to provide a showpiece of cutting edge technology for the Santa Clara Valley Water District, while blending with a more traditional context.
The double beams, braced components and a masonry base with concrete cap draw from the same architectural language as the existing neo-craftsman Headquarters Building.
These elements provide a base for a gentle curved canopy of photovoltaic panels to float overhead and produce 105 kilowatts of solar power.
The curve of the canopy was designed to reveal the beautiful, spectacular blue surface of the photovoltaics to pedestrians and passing cars. An additional 95 kilowatts of solar power are provided with a flat array on an existing building.
The complexities presented by the existing engineered bio-swale also helped shape the design. A gap of six feet travels down the center of the canopy allowing direct sunlight to reach the grasses below. In addition, the modules are individually spaced; thereby transmitting a filtered light that works to lighten the underside of the canopy.
The columns are placed on either side of the drainage swale so that it will continue to allow the environmentally sensitive natural drainage system to properly function.
Project Details:
Client: Santa Clara Valley Water District
Architect: Mogavero Notestine Associates
Consultants: Structural: Miyamoto International / Electrical: Sacramento Engineering / Photovoltaic Power: Powerlight
Previous Use of Site: Parking Lot
Power Output: Solar Carport: 105 kW / Administration Rooftop: 95 kW Providing 20% of Campus Power
Construction Details: Two solar carports; / Multi-crystalline PV panels over steel frame on Brick Columns;
Cost: $2.3 Million after Incentives
Date of Completion: January 2004
Specialized Approaches
Ecologically sensitive techniques were combined with products that also kept green principles in mind.
- Energy efficient design;
- Use and enhancement of an existing parking lot;
- Provides four electric vehicle recharging stations;
- Power Cost Management in addition to use and demonstration of renewable energy;
- Pollution reduction through the use of clean energy source;
- Produces 200kW of energy translating into 20% of campus needs;
- Promotes clean energy usage for community in a very public way;
- Construction/demolition waste programs were in force throughout the project.