Verizon Wireless has awarded a contract to Solar Electric Supply, Inc. for the installation of solar photovoltaic arrays at 150 cellular sites across California and Hawaii, a move aimed at enhancing network resilience and supporting environmental sustainability. This initiative is part of Verizon's On-Site Green Energy Generation program, which seeks to reduce reliance on grid power and improve service maintenance during power outages. The solar systems will integrate into existing power infrastructure at these critical cell sites, directly supplying power to the DC bus in battery backup systems to extend backup duration and decrease grid dependence.
Addressing shading effects from cell towers and telecom infrastructure was a key challenge, leading to the selection of the REC 410AA Pure R solar module. This high-performance panel features four quadrants of shading protection, double the standard in most modern solar panels, ensuring optimal energy production in difficult conditions. Roger Maiorano, solar project lead for Verizon, noted the collaboration with Solar Electric Supply in selecting suitable modules and connecting with local contractors for system construction. This contract aligns with Verizon's sustainability goals, including sourcing 100% renewable energy equivalent to annual electricity usage by 2030, with over 37.6 megawatts of on-site renewable projects already operational.
The project is expected to offset 22,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the electricity used in 8,500 homes or emissions from nearly 5,000 passenger vehicles. Beyond environmental benefits, it enhances network resiliency for uninterrupted service during extreme weather or disasters, supporting Verizon's reputation for reliability. Financially, Verizon anticipates a positive return on investment due to declining renewable energy costs and benefits from the Federal Investment Tax Credit, making on-site green energy generation both environmentally responsible and economically sound. The REC 410AA Pure R solar modules provided by Solar Electric Supply are well-suited for cellular infrastructure challenges, with advanced shading technology addressing obstacles from towers and structures.
This project represents a significant step in Verizon's commitment to sustainability and network reliability, setting a new standard for resilience in telecommunications. As climate change poses infrastructure challenges, such initiatives demonstrate how companies can adapt operations to be more sustainable and resilient. For more details on the REC 410AA Pure R solar module, visit https://www.recgroup.com/en/solar-panels/rec-410aa-pure-r. Information on Verizon's sustainability efforts can be found at https://www.verizon.com/about/sustainability.
