AltaSea Completes Large-Scale Solar Power Project

By Emily Vidovich. Emily has a background in environmental journalism and sustainability and is a member of the George Washington University Class of 2019.

Starting this fall, AltaSea’s solar panels will be up and running. AltaSea’s solar installation contains 4,753 solar panels—which will generate enough electricity to sustain the AltaSea campus as well as power 700 nearby homes. 

The Port of Los Angeles, where AltaSea is located, is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and health-harming pollutants. Transforming port operations to meet the goal of zero-emissions operations by 2030 requires rapidly scaling renewable energy. The solar project at the AltaSea campus, which is installed atop repurposed warehouses in the heart of the Port of LA, showcases how retrofitting existing infrastructure with renewable energy technology can be part of the solution. The project sets a precedent that, if followed, could lead to a cleaner future for the port while also giving low-income locals—who are the most impacted by port pollution—access to clean energy.

California has long been a world leader in renewable energy initiatives. In 2006, then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law the goal of installing solar panels on one million rooftops throughout California. By 2019, California had achieved this goal and installed enough solar panels to produce nine gigawatts of solar energy—equivalent to the energy production of six large power plants. This clean energy prevents 22 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and 16,000 tons of smog-forming pollutants annually, according to the University of Southern California’s Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy.

Schwarzenegger continues to be a champion for climate action, advocating for workable solutions to climate change through the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative. He will be visiting the AltaSea campus for an event celebrating the completion of the solar installation. The event, scheduled for April 21st, is open to the public. Those interested in attending can RSVP here.

Solar panels work using photovoltaic technology. Put simply, solar panels contain a material known as a semiconductor, which absorbs the energy from sunlight and transfers it to subatomic particles called electrons. These electrons flow through the semiconductor in the form of an electrical current. This current then flows through the grid-like lines on solar panels to an inverter, which is the device that converts the electrical current into the form compatible with the electrical grid. After the electrical current has been converted and supplied to the electrical grid, it is able to supply electricity to homes and other buildings.

AltaSea’s solar energy project is a significant step in the construction of its campus. To support AltaSea’s operations during construction and expand its workforce development education program, the Solar Stars Initiative is working to obtain pledges for $500,000. For a limited time, donations will be matched dollar for dollar by Drs. Melanie and Richard Lundquist.

The star-themed campaign plays off of the technical name for a solar installation—a solar system. All donors get one of AltaSea’s solar panels named in their honor, and each donor’s name will be placed on an artistic rendering of the night sky that will decorate the entrance of AltaSea’s Center for Innovation. Each star in this piece of art will represent solar panels creating renewable energy on AltaSea’s roof.

Global experts have indicated that switching to clean energy is the foundation of preventing the worst consequences of climate change. AltaSea is proud to be part of the clean energy transition in the Port of Los Angeles.

8 replies
  1. Ryan
    Ryan says:

    I like to consider thoughts expected energy. They’re truly great, however nothing will occur until we risk setting them in motion.

    Reply
  2. Steve Thomas
    Steve Thomas says:

    I read with great interest about your recent accomplishment of completing a large-scale solar power project. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement! It’s truly inspiring to see organizations like AltaSea take proactive steps towards sustainable energy solutions.

    Reply
  3. Steve Thomas
    Steve Thomas says:

    Congratulations on the successful completion of your large-scale solar power project. Your dedication to creating a more sustainable future sets a remarkable example for others to follow. I look forward to seeing Altasea’s continued progress and witnessing the positive influence it has on renewable energy adoption and environmental stewardship.

    Thank you for your commitment and tireless efforts.

    Reply
  4. Solar in Myers, FL
    Solar in Myers, FL says:

    Just read this article and I can say these are awesome great tips on how to take care of your Solar . I will be using this tips for my own clients so that there Solar in San Myers, FL go smoothly!

    Reply
  5. Solar Installer Rockland County, NY
    Solar Installer Rockland County, NY says:

    Congratulations to Altasea on completing their large-scale solar power project! It’s commendable to see organizations taking significant steps towards sustainable energy solutions. This project will undoubtedly contribute to a greener future and inspire others to follow suit. Kudos to Altasea for their commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship!

    Reply
  6. Adam
    Adam says:

    “ALTASEA COMPLETES LARGE-SCALE SOLAR POWER PROJECT” is fantastic news and a testament to the commitment to sustainable energy solutions! This achievement is a shining example of how innovation and dedication can transform the energy landscape for the better.

    Reply
  7. Adam Belmore
    Adam Belmore says:

    Your blog post beautifully encapsulates the significance of this project and its positive impact on the environment. Large-scale solar power projects like this one are instrumental in reducing carbon emissions and advancing our transition to clean energy sources.

    Reply

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. […] On Friday, April 21, 2023, we were thrilled to see former Governor Schwarzenegger install the final panel of TGC’s 2MW solar PV installation across 180,000 square feet of rooftop at AltaSea, a unique public-private ocean institute at the Port of Los Angeles, in San Pedro, California. The project comprises ~5,000 solar panels capable of powering ~700 homes. Thanks to a truly collaborative effort amongst everyone involved, this distributed power project now provides cutting edge renewable energy technology to AltaSea at the busiest port in the US. Read Article at AltaSea […]

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