FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2010

VA Awards Recovery Act-Funded Renewable Energy Project

California National Cemetery Installs Solar Cell System

WASHINGTON – In support of ongoing energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded a $796,950 contract to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, Calif., using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding.

The contract was awarded to a certified Hub-zone small business.

“We are investing in clean energy and other renewable energy projects for our national cemeteries to reduce our environmental footprint,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said.  ”The transition toward these renewable energy sources helps VA continue to be a leading example in ‘going green’ in the federal government.”

The cemetery will install a 136-kilowatt solar PV system, estimated to produce up to 73 percent of San Joaquin’s annual electricity.  The installation will be completed in September.

VA selected San Joaquin Valley based on feasibility studies that determined the most ideal locations to invest in on-site renewable energy projects.

VA’s goal is to increase renewable energy consumption to 15 percent of annual electricity usage by 2013.  The installation of this solar PV system will help VA meet that goal.

VA has also awarded Recovery Act funds to install a geothermal renewable energy project at the VA medical center in St. Cloud, Minn.; a wind turbine at the Massachusetts National Cemetery near Cape Cod and another solar PV system at the Calverton National Cemetery in Long Island, N.Y.

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