Timmons Design Engineers were commissioned by the City of Palo Alto to design grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) systems to be installed on three City owned properties. The objective was to integrate the systems aesthetically into the existing properties while maximizing power production and educating the public about PV technology. An educational component will be integrated into each of the sites for the public. In addition there will be continuous web-based monitoring which displays the systems output and performance.

The Municipal Service Center (MSC) design entails rows of PV integrated carports in the north parking lot to shade staff cars while providing power to the site and utility. In addition 10 dual-axis solar trackers will continuously track the Sun's position throughout the day. These trackers will provide a very visible display of PV technology to passersby on HWY 101 and will boost production of power by approximately 35% as compared to stationary PV arrays.

The total system will supply about 110.5kW AC power or roughly 231,000kWh per year, enough to power 27 average homes. The project also involved upgrading the central electrical service of the site from 800 amps to 1200 amps to accommodate the additional wattage from the PV system.

Architect: Arkin-Tilt