While conventioneers are enjoying the show in the cavernous convention area below, the 675 kW photovoltaic (PV) solar system atop the Moscone Convention Center roof in downtown San Francisco is quietly and reliably providing a significant portion of the power for the event.

The PV system, covering both the Esplanade and South Lobby roofs, became operational in March 2004 and is a bold statement of the City of San Francisco’s long-term commitment to providing clean, renewable energy for its numerous facilities.

The Moscone Center solar system remains the City’s largest to date and is the cornerstone of over 2 megawatts (2,000 kW) of installed generation in the SFPUC’s growing PV solar portfolio.

Originally designed in conjunction with a comprehensive energy efficiency retrofit, the 60,000 square foot array contains over 5,430 modules arranged in over 440 separate power strings. After the DC power is generated on the roof, it is then fed to three 225 kW inverters that provide the AC power suitable for interconnection to the Moscone Center’s electrical grid.

At peak output, the power generated on the roof is enough to supply over 400 typical San Francisco homes.