On September 27, 2004 the MDAQMD held a grand opening ceremony for its Clean Power Education Center (CPEC).  The Center currently features a working model of the District's building powered by miniature solar panels, a solar panel donated by KJC operating Co., a solar cell visual breakdown, and a kiosk featuring live data on energy amount being generated and the pollutants being reduced.  Future plans for the Center include installing additional displays on other alternative energy sources, such as interactive hydro power display donated by Southern California Edison and a working fuel cell made possible through the generosity of the California Fuel Cell Partnership.  Field trips to the Center are also available.

The Center's working model is based on the District's own $530,000 roof top solar system.  The system was installed last July for the purpose of reducing air pollutants associated with energy generation, and in hopes of saving $500,000 to $750,000 in energy costs over the next 25 years.  While start up costs for the project were significant, the District received half of its money back in the form of a rebate from Southern California Edison, and further reduced costs through a low interest loan from the California Energy Commission.

The array's 624 panels lock in the sun's rays and convert them to energy to fulfill 45% of the office's energy needs annually.  The solar panels also spare the environment of 163,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, which is about the same as removing 17 cars from the road annually.

CPEC is a joint project of the MDAQMD and the Mojave Environmental Education Consortium (MEEC).  Center sponsors, include the City of Barstow, The Gas Co., High Desert Power Project and Inland Energy, Inc., each of whom donated funds to provide environmental education outreach through the Center, as well as through other outreach activities of the MEEC program.

For more information on solar system acquisitions, contact Project Engineer Sam Oktay at (760) 245-1661 ext. 1610.  To schedule a tour of the Clean Power Education Center, contact the District's Community Relations and Education Department (CRE) at (760) 245-1661 ext. 6104 to schedule a tour.