An old landfill will be the first in the Bay Area to be converted into a solar farm, with 19,000 panels producing enough energy to power 1,200 homes.
The West Winton Landfill conversion is the centerpiece of the nation's largest government collaboration to create solar energy, with 19 agencies in Alameda, Santa Clara, Contra Costa and San Mateo counties pooling resources to build 186 projects. By coming together, the government agencies predict they will spend $100 million less than if the projects were bid separately. The projects will create more than 800 jobs.
"This is about reducing carbon emissions, saving money and growing jobs. It's a win all over the place," said Gina McCarthy, head of the federal Environmental Protection Agency during the dedication of the landfill this week -- an event attended by several Bay Area government and solar industry representatives.