The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power showcased its largest current municipal solar construction project located at the Los Angeles Convention Center and kicked off the summer solstice with conservation and solar incentive programs to help Los Angeles businesses and residents beat the heat during the upcoming months.

Environmental activists, city officials and community leaders ushered in the summer solstice and kicked-off the LADWP's summer conservation campaign into high gear at a new solar installation at a Los Angeles Convention Center parking facility rooftop, with the downtown skyline as backdrop.

The 250-kilowatt solar installation parking facility project, part of the Los Angeles Convention Center 400-kW system, is scheduled for completion at the end of summer. The convention center project's 5,200 solar modules, including the 3,300 modules on the parking structure roof, will produce the amount of energy powering 200 homes a day during peak times.

This system is part of an aggressive solar program funded by LADWP that will install solar systems at 35 municipal buildings, including most branch libraries and many parks, every year for the next five years.

"This summer we can beat the heat by making every kilowatt hour count," said Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas. "Solar installations, like those being constructed at the Los Angeles Convention Center facilities, and energy conservation are powerful LADWP programs mitigating the potential for long-term environmental disaster from global warming while keeping the lights on in California this summer."

The event recognized the success of major solar, energy reduction and greening incentive programs being adopted by 123,000 residents and businesses across Los Angeles, including 80,000 customers who have signed up for Green Power.

"Angelenos have strongly embraced LADWP energy efficiency programs. From super-efficient air conditioners and lighting systems to installations of solar systems, cool roofs, chillers and more, residents and businesses have taken personal ownership of the L.A. environment," said Angelina Galiteva, LADWP's director of strategic planning.

"With support from the California Energy Commission, the LADWP is rolling out the largest energy conservation incentives in its history this summer."

A total of $16 million in incentives from the California Energy Commission has been earmarked for LADWP energy efficiency programs over the next two years. But, because of demand, LADWP expects to spend these funds by the end of summer, Galiteva said.