Independent Energy Solutions Completes 1.15 Megawatt Solar Electric System for The Capital Group Companies

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent Energy Solutions, Inc. (IES), based in Vista, California, today announced the completion and commissioning of a 1.15 MW solar electric (photovoltaic) system for The Capital Group Companies (Irvine Campus). Mounted on shade structures on the roofs of three parking garages, the system provides nearly 50% of the energy used to power the campus data center and central plant equipment.

Consisting of 5,472 Kyocera 210 watt high-efficiency polycrystalline solar panels and capable of producing 1.7 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity per year, the array is now the largest photovoltaic system in Orange County. It will save approximately 30,725 tons of CO2 emissions over the next 25 years compared to conventional power generation -- the equivalent of 3.8 million automobile miles not driven.

The Capital Group strives to provide an environmentally conscious work environment. This commitment, combined with the anticipated energy savings and available tax incentives, drove the organization to invest in solar energy.

"Our Irvine Campus proved to be an ideal location for this type of solar implementation. The existing parking shade structures provided the significant square footage required for economies of scale and a financially viable system.  The combination of system capacity, tax incentives and timely rebate structures, make this PV system very cost effective over the long term," said Reid McCartney, vice president of Corporate Facilities for the Capital Group.

"IES's ability to install over 5,400 panels in seventeen working days was particularly effective in minimizing disruptions at our fully occupied campus, which our Irvine associates continue to recognize and appreciate," continued McCartney.

IES chief operating officer, George Gisel, noted, "This project shows that, even during a recession, companies like the Capital Group can 'go solar' because the investment payback periods are shorter than ever. In this case, the Capital Group should see a full payback in five years and the system will save them $14 million in energy costs over 25 years. Solar projects like this make economic sense and promote the importance of sustainability and corporate citizenship."

The Capital Group Companies is a global, investment management firm serving individuals, families, corporations, governments and non-profit organizations. Founded in 1931, the Capital Group is the home of American Funds, one of the three largest mutual fund families in the United States. The organization employs nearly 7,500 associates in 22 offices. For more information about the Capital Group, as well as employment opportunities, visit www.capgroup.com.

Founded in 1998, Independent Energy Solutions, Inc. (IES) is a leading provider of renewable energy and solar electric (photovoltaic) systems. IES provides design, build, procurement, project management, training and maintenance services to a broad spectrum of customers including commercial, military, public agencies, nonprofit and education. For more information about IES, please visit http://www.indenergysolutions.com or call (760) 752-9706.

SOURCE Independent Energy Solutions, Inc.