Convention Center Will Be Converted to Solar Power

The downtown Convention Center will soon be one of the largest solar-powered buildings in North America, thanks to a $6-million contract announced Thursday between the Department of Water and Power and solar cell manufacturer AstroPower Inc.

The contract is part of a larger DWP effort to power municipal buildings throughout Los Angeles with solar energy. Last week, the DWP approved a separate, $38-million buy-down program to pay homeowners and businesses as much as $5 per watt if they install solar panels on their rooftops.

The solar programs, which aim to have 100,000 solar systems on Los Angeles rooftops by 2010, represent an increased use of renewable energy sources. Currently, 55% of the DWP’s electricity is generated from coal, the dirtiest of fossil fuels, officials for the utility say.

“We’re trying to set the standard in environmental areas,” said spokesman Walter Zeisl.

The DWP may begin installing solar panels on the Convention Center next week. Although the system is expected to be completed in September, it will be operational and able to supply power in August for the Democratic National Convention.

Some of the panels, slabs of treated silicon that convert sunlight directly into electricity, will be positioned over parking spaces, creating shade and weather protection.

Solar cells will be installed at various public buildings throughout the city, including libraries and community centers.

The DWP-AstroPower contract is the largest single award for solar energy since utility deregulation was introduced in the United States seven years ago, officials said.