Johnson Controls completes renewable energy project at the nation’s second largest convention cente

Florida’s Orange County Convention Center goes green with new solar photovoltaic system

MILWAUKEE . – Johnson Controls, Inc., the global multi-industrial leader in energy efficiency, sustainability and renewable energy has completed the largest renewable energy generation system of its kind in the southeastern United States. The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in central Florida now has a solar photovoltaic (PV) system made up of a 1.1 megawatt rooftop single-crystalline PV system, and four 10-kilowatt experimental PV systems located around the facility. An education center inside the convention center will display the system data, performance and solar energy information to the millions of visitors to this world class convention center.

The solar PV project has a peak output of over a megawatt of electricity, and first year annual production is expected to be over one megawatt of electricity annually, enough energy to provide power to some 80 to 100 homes. It is expected to significantly reduce the convention center’s total energy costs and carbon emissions.

“Solar PV technologies provide several environmental and energy-related benefits,” says Jerry Daigle, OCCC project manager. “They produce electricity without generating greenhouse gas emissions or any other air pollutants. Using PV also helps increase energy independence and security, create jobs, promote economic growth, and reduce energy bills. We were pleased when Johnson Controls was awarded the design/build contract, and we’ve been more than satisfied with the performance of their team on this project.”

Johnson Controls provided overall project development and management support for the installation of the high-efficiency solar PV modules, which occupies approximately 200,000 square feet of roof space on the North/South Building of the OCCC.

The four 10 kW experimental systems on the property use a variety of PV modules and racking types, and performance data from these systems will be used for educational purposes.

“This solar photovoltaic system is a testament to Orange County and the entire state of Florida’s commitment to renewable energy,” said Don Albinger, vice president of renewable energy solutions at Johnson Controls. "Energy efficiency has never been more important, and this project continues to demonstrate the Orange County Convention Center’s leadership in energy innovation.”

The OCCC is the second largest convention center measured by square footage in the United States.