Columbia Realty and South Texas Solar Systems Inc. has complete done of San Antonio’s largest grid tied arrays. In 2018, Columbia has transformed dead space into a live solar rooftop that continuously back feeds solar energy.
The 3 phases of PV, amounting to 267.66 kW, began in the year of 2015 to take advantage of utility rebates, with estimated savings of approximately $80,000 per phase.
Each phase consisted of different panels because of the developing technology in Solar. Phase I of 66 kW consisted of Axitec 300w panels. Phase 2 has 81.07kW with Suniva 335W panels.
Phase III involved San Antonio’s local solar manufacturer, Mission Solar Energy, with the biggest phase of 120.7 kWwith mission 355W solar panels. Rarely seen, Columbia has dedicated space for a Solar Edge inverter room, which transforms all direct current into alternate current.
The Solar Edge inverters and yearly solar additions show the drastic improvements of production after each phase. Phase I started with nearly 10MWh’s of monthly production and is now producing nearly 40MWh’s monthly after the completion of Phase III.
The production now brings bills down to about $200 for one of San Antonio’s hottest month, July! Columbia has nearly achieved a zero carbon footprint with this large scale project. Columbia has enjoyed this project and savings so much, they are continuing another solar project at their building across the street, as of now there is an 81kW solar system!
More phases coming soon!
