The solar photovoltaics project built and serviced by First Edison is now operating at Cox Communications’ corporate office in Goleta, reducing utility costs and improving sustainability at the 22 S. Fairview Ave location.
The roof-top solar system is 185 kW DC with a total of 388 panels. The system is projected to produce more than 270,000 kWh of power annually, which is equivalent to the electricity use of 37 homes per year or 207,000lbs of coal burned per year. This annual production is estimated to cover 90% of the electrical load of the building.
Kirsten McLaughlin, Santa Barbara market vice president for Cox Communications and Colin Lucas, renewable energy engineer for Cox Enterprises hosted the City of Goleta City Council Members including Mayor Paula Perotte to flip the switch on for the new conservation system. They were joined by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kristen Miller. Watch a short video clip of the ribbon cutting on June 12 here: https://youtu.be/zecsGqqEdFQ.
“Cox Communications’ new solar system installation is a perfect example of the transition to our clean energy future. I look forward to seeing more of these systems installed to help meet our climate goals,” said Mayor Paula Perotte.
“Sustainability and driving positive environmental change are core to the way Cox does business. We’re excited our primary facility serving Goleta, is using solar power to reduce our carbon footprint throughout the entire Santa Barbara region,” said McLaughlin. “This solar project will move us closer to our company’s sustainability goals which include becoming carbon neutral by 2034.”
Cox has long been committed to renewables, as this project is just one of more than 60 on-site solar generation projects Cox implemented across the country. In April, Cox announced the achievement of its ambitious goal to send Zero Waste to Landfill by 2024. Cox is the first U.S.-based, enterprise-wide service company to be verified by GreenCircle Certified as achieving a 92% waste diversion rate. This achievement meets Zero Waste USA’s definition of a zero-waste business.
The company is still focused on its goal of becoming carbon and water neutral by 2034. So far, Cox has invested nearly $165 million in more than 500 projects to get there.
Pictured above: Solar panels at Cox Communications’ corporate office in Goleta
Ceremonial cutting of the ribbon and flipping the switch – click here to watch video clip
Mayor Paula Perotte speaking at the event
Goleta City Council and Staff pictured with Cox Communications Staff