Otay Mesa Jail To Get 12% Of Its Power From Solar Panels

San Diego Sheriffs Officials Monday flipped the switch on a one-megawatt solar energy system at the East Mesa Detention Facility in Otay Mesa.

NBC San Diego has reported that the panels are expected to “produce 1.6 million kilowatt-hours of energy in the first year alone” and is anticipated to save the county approximately $1.3 million “over the next 20 years.”

San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said that San Diego jails need lots of energy because they are 24-7 operations.

The panels were purchased and installed by SunEdison, who is cited as being the owner of the system. SunEdison has said it is the largest solar-energy source located at any San Diego County-owned facility.

The solar canopies have been installed as a heat-shield system above the jail’s parking lot, allowing visitors’ cars to remain shaded while they visit friends and loved ones.  San Diego County Supervisor Greg Cox, whose district includes Otay Mesa, said that what was once a bare parking lot is now able to generate energy “whenever the sun is shining”.

Although SunEdison will retain ownership of the power generated by the PV panels, it has committed to sell energy to the County at a rate below market value for the next two decades.   Because of this, Cox said, the panels are a “win-win for everyone”.

The East Mesa Jail houses adult men and is located just north of the U.S.-Mexico border, south of Imperial Beach, Otay Rancy, and Chula Vista.  It has a Corrections Standards Authority rated capacity of 360 beds and currently has more than 500 available beds.

Those wishing to visit inmates housed at the facility are required to make advance reservations, either on-line or by phone. Walk-in visits are not permitted.  1-hour visiting times are available on Monday at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Saturday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

---