The Largest Solar Installation in Milpitas Goes Live This Week at Humane Society Silicon Valley

MILPITAS, Calif., July 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the flip of a switch, the largest solar installation in Milpitas went live today at Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV).  The solar electric energy system is owned and operated by Tioga Energy, a leading provider of renewable energy services to commercial, government and non-profit institutions.

The 274 kW solar parking shade structure and rooftop systems are composed of 1,335 photovoltaic (PV) modules that will provide an estimated 33 percent of all energy used at HSSV's Animal Community Center, creating significant energy savings for the lifetime of the system, starting on day one. In fiscal year 2011, HSSV expects the solar installation will help the organization save up to $50,000 in energy costs.

HSSV's 48,000 square-foot Animal Community Center opened in April 2009. The facility is a registered Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) project and is on track to be one of the first LEED Gold Certified animal community centers in the nation.

"While designing our new Animal Community Center, we worked closely with Tioga to reduce our energy costs while developing a better environment for the animals and the visiting public," said Christine Benninger, HSSV president.  "Today, our Animal Community Center not only promotes animals, but also showcases the ease and beauty of energy efficiency, water savings, and building in harmony with nature."

Through a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tioga Energy, HSSV was able to install the solar project without expending any upfront capital.

The solar system is only one aspect of the center's green attributes: The Animal Community Center was constructed using 90 percent of the concrete from the old building's foundations and incorporates a number of energy and water efficiency technologies, including an advanced heat recovery system and a reflective "cool" roof to minimize solar heating of the building in the winter and reduce air-conditioning costs in the summer.

HSSV's Animal Community Center is the first-of-its-kind in the nation to offer an Adoption Program  with a full spectrum of pet and community services under one solar roof: A Medical Center specializing in affordable spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and testing services; A Community Dog Park and Training Center; Doggie Daycare, Boarding, and Grooming; An Education Center with programs for children and teens; A Community Events Room that can be rented by groups for meetings; and a Whole Pets store. All proceeds from these services support HSSV's life saving work.

"Humane Society Silicon Valley's Animal Community Center represents a progressive shift in animal care, and a smart approach to solar was paramount to the project's success," said Paul Detering, chief executive officer of Tioga Energy. "The facility is an inspiring model of humane care, community involvement, and green building design for shelters and other non-profits nationwide."

About Humane Society Silicon Valley

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is an independent, non-profit agency offering quality adoptions, medical care, education programs and pet care services to enhance the human-animal bond.  Established in 1929, HSSV has served Silicon Valley for 81 years and found homes for more than 500,000 animals. All animals in HSSV's adoption program are sheltered until they are placed in a loving home. HSSV is an "open door" facility and accepts animals' 24-hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of any temperament or health related problems. In April 2009, HSSV opened its new Animal Community Center in Milpitas. HSSV also operates a satellite adoption center in PETCO in the El Paseo Shopping Center in San Jose. More information about HSSV can be found at www.hssv.org.

About Tioga Energy

Tioga Energy enables commercial, government and non-profit organizations to reduce their energy costs while lowering carbon emissions. Through the SurePath(SM) solar power purchase agreement (PPA), Tioga Energy owns and operates renewable energy systems that provide organizations a hedge against energy price volatility and accelerate their access to clean energy without any capital outlay. For more information call 866.333.9797 or visit: www.tiogaenergy.com.

SOURCE Humane Society Silicon Valley