Solar boost for BT in California

BT has completed its solar energy installation at its North American headquarters in California, which will now produce up to one fifth of its energy needs for the offices and data centre.

The 2,862-module, 601kW-DC solar photovoltaic system at the city of El Segundo site features an innovative solar power tracking system from RayTracker, Inc. The tracking system enables the solar panels, mounted on an elevated structure in the car park, to move during the day to track the sun, to maximise energy production during peak hours.

Michael Boustridge, chief executive of BT Americas & Asia/Pacific, said: "'Going solar' offers us significant business advantages, including cost savings and a positive impact on our sustainability goals, all of which affect BT’s bottom line."

The installation will generate approximately one million kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable electricity and reduce carbon emissions by 700,000 pounds (more than 316 metric tons) annually as well as decrease costs for the site in future years.

Solar Power Partners, which owns and operates the installation, sells the solar-generated electricity to BT.