Sun Valley Solar installs 350-kW PV carport at Arizona office project

Voya Financial’s newly constructed Chandler, Arizona, office features solar carports that are expected to offset more than 663.6 MWh of electricity in its first year of operation alone.

In the first year of operation, the 350-kW SunPower solar carports are expected to provide 32% of the facility’s total energy, offsetting purchased utility power by the same percentage and delivering significant savings over the solar system’s estimated 30-year or longer lifespan.

Sun Valley Solar Solutions installed a 350-kW solar carport system at Voya Financial’s new office building in Chandler, Arizona. Voya Financial

“Clean energy was the start of our environmental sustainability efforts more than 13 years ago. It has expanded over the years to include a variety of environmental-sustainability aspects in nearly every facility we occupy, as well as every equipment-planning and purchasing decision we make,” said Maggie Parent, executive VP and chief administrative officer, Voya Financial. “Our new Chandler facility advances our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while capturing long-term savings — a win for our communities, Voya and the entire team who brought our vision to life.”

Voya worked with Arizona-based companies to design and build the system. Hawkins Design Group in Gilbert was responsible for the parking garage, solar, efficient LED lighting and controls systems. Chandler-based Sun Valley Solar Solutions collaborated with Hawkins during the system’s design phase and was responsible for the complete installation of the SunPower PV system.

“Voya is a forward-thinking organization that understands that going solar is the best way to ensure a healthier bottom line while also contributing to a more sustainable community,” said Russ Patzer, CEO, Sun Valley Solar Solutions. “With this investment, Voya’s leadership sends a strong message that running a healthy business and contributing to a healthier environment are not mutually exclusive goals. Companies can do both. We’re extremely proud to have helped Voya with this important initiative.”

Voya’s new 150,000-square-foot Chandler, Arizona, facility reflects Voya’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Additional eco-friendly features throughout the facility include LED lighting with automatic controls; open-collaboration workspaces within 15 ft of windows for natural lighting; HVAC temperature controls; digital signage to curb printing; recycled building materials for carpeting, wall coverings, ceiling tiles, hardwoods and fabrics; and electric vehicle charging stations.

The Chandler site is one of Voya’s nine major facilities, as well as field offices and virtual employees, across the United States that feature environmentally-sustainable practices and are home to more than 6,000 employees in total dedicated to helping customers achieve financial wellness. Among various enterprise functions, the Chandler office enables Voya to leverage the time zone difference to provide greater service to Voya’s Retirement and Employee Benefits customers throughout the United States.

News item from Voya Financial

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/10/sun-valley-solar-installs-pv-carport-at-arizona-office-project/