Broadview, Inc.
Updated: November 11, 2010 What is happening on the hillside on the Broadview property? Broadview is installing an array of 1,441 photovoltaic solar panels in a significant move toward renewable, clean energy. Once the solar array is up and running, it is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 6400 tons over 25 years. The amount of fossil fuels used by LADWP to produce electrical energy will therefore be reduced because of this solar array. What process did Broadview go through before starting this project?Broadview began consulting with a number of solar companies about a year ago. After many meetings, discussions and engineering analysis, the specifications for the project were determined. Proposals were received from six solar design and installation companies and an experienced firm was selected. With their help, Broadview considered a wide range of issues that could impact our neighbors and our neighborhood, including the questions below. The solar installation company worked with city departments in charge of approving all facets of the project. Public health and safety issues were all thoroughly considered, and the project passed these lengthy reviews. Why does Broadview need so many panels? The number of panels is calculated based on meeting 93% of Broadview’s electrical needs. These calculations were confirmed by LADWP. How will the look of the hillside change? Are solar panels a fire hazard? Solar panels are UL certified. They are made primarily of non-combustible items (glass and metal), mounted on metal poles and are being installed by a certified electrical contractor. The installation of the solar panels must meet all building and safety codes, including fire codes. The plans for the solar array were rigorously reviewed and approved as complying with city codes. Any brush will be trimmed in accordance with fire department regulations. What about erosion and mudslides? Once the project is complete, the hill will be seeded. Because the panel arrays have gaps between them, concentration of rain water will be avoided. Won't this project affect wildlife? Since the project leaves considerable open space, species common to the area will be able to live and move through the property. Will this system help avoid electrical shortages? Yes. During the peak generating summer days, the excess electricity generated will go into the grid for others to use. Broadview receives a credit during periods when it produces an excess. The credit is then used during cloudy days when the system does not generate as much electricity. Other solar panel systems on homes and businesses operate in the same way. How can this solar array do much for the planet?
The Los Angeles City Council voted on November 10 to lift the stop work order on Broadview's solar project. Prior Council action stopped the project on September 23. (Click here to see Broadview letter for more infomation.)
What is Broadview? Broadview is a Christian Science Nursing Facility that opened its doors in 1947. Broadview is a non-profit, certified Medicare provider and is accredited by The Organization for Accreditation of Christian Science Care Facilities, Inc.
Won’t there be a glare? (updated 9/22) The panels will generate very little glare. Calculations indicate that these panels are less reflective than dry sand and about as reflective as the grass-type vegetation on the hillside before the start of the project. The panels will face due south, so no panels will face
Will these panels direct glare into drivers eyes on nearby freeways?
- The height and angle of the installation direct panels away from area freeways, not toward them.
- Roadside solar installations have been common in Europe for more than 20 years.
- In California, solar panels are used to power roadside signs, emergency phones and
billboards.
- In the United States, agencies, such as the Oregon Department of Transportation, are installing
solar panels next to highways - including one at the interchange of Interstates 5 and 205 in West
Lynn, OR.
What about planes and helicopters? If the panels are facing away from area highways, won't the glare affect air travel?
- Denver Airport, currently the fifth-busiest airport in the United States, is in the process of adding
19,000 solar panels, more than doubling the size of its existing system, which has been in place
since 2006.
- Similarly, the Oakland FedEx International Airport Hub has been operating solar panels at its
facility since 2005.
- FAA Airport Safety Specialist Jim Patterson, Jr. notes, "At all of the installations that we have thus
far it hasn't been an issue for any pilots," he says. "We've also not had any complaints from air
traffic control facilities. The though process there was you have a controller in a tower cab that
might at a particular angle pose an annoying reflection. Those are kind of myths, if you will."1
Why are the panels so high on the hillside? The hillside is steep. In order for one set of panels not to shade another set, there must be some separation between each array up the hill. Thus, the panels stretch further up the hill than would be necessary on flat ground. If the panels shaded each other, there would be a marked decrease in electrical energy production that would make the project unfeasible.
For more information about Broadview please go to our website:
www.csbroadview.org
admin@csbroadview.org
1 http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb4837/is_201008/ai_n55070599/
2 http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/brochure/history.htm