Project summary
•	Location: Moscone Centre, San Francisco, USA
•	Commissioned: March 2004
•	Peak capacity: 675 kW
•	Lightweight flat-roof assembly incorporating 5 400 PV modules
•	Additional thermal and building envelope protection benefits
•	Lifetime CO2 abatement: 32 000 tonnes (total energy project)
•	Information: Susan Devico, Powerlight, E-mail: sdevico@powerlight.com

On 6 November 2001, San Francisco voters overwhelmingly approved two landmark propositions which enabled the City of San Francisco to deploy solar electricity and other renewable energy resources on city-owned buildings.

The Moscone Centre energy project marks San Francisco’s first major step towards achieving its goal of obtaining all municipal energy from pollution-free sources. The 5 600 m² solar array, the largest city-owned solar installation in the USA, uses 5 400 PV ‘tiles’ integrated into a lightweight roofing assembly that is installed over an existing roof membrane.

The PV system also provides thermal insulation benefits while protecting the roof membrane from harsh UV rays and thermal degradation, reducing heating and cooling energy costs as well as extending the life of the roof.

The energy project combines the 675 kW PV array with new building controls and energy efficient lighting to further reduce on-site energy requirements. Total energy savings are sufficient to power 8 500 homes. The improved building energy management and lighting system controls also provide greater flexibility and maintenance savings to the convention centre.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission oversees implementation of the City’s overall energy resource plan. SFPUC’s solar electric deployment programme is focused on reducing the City’s dependence on fossil fuel generated electricity, increasing in-city power generation and reducing peak demand to strengthen electric grid reliability.

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