Solar project on rooftop of cruise center

The solar photovoltaic installation, which is expected by the port to result in an annual $200,000 energy cost savings, is the first phase of a multi-location solar power program that will eventually produce 10 megawatts of solar system generation capacity.  The project includes a total of 0.35 million sqm of rooftop solar panels, larger than the size of a football field.  Three additional project phases are slated for completion over the next five years.

Over the solar system's lifetime, it is said to reduce roughly 22,800 metric tons of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere, the equivalent of cutting the annual greenhouse gases of 4,367 cars, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. (EPA calculator)  

The solar panel project is part of a $42 million upgrade at the World Cruise Center. Earlier this year, state-of-the-art walkways were installed to travel between the terminal building and cruise ships. Painting, lighting and audio-video upgrades have been completed, as well as a new fendering system and cushion-like bumpers on the wharf to protect the cruise ships and the wharf. Additionally, Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), currently used at some container ship terminals, will soon be available so that cruise ships can “plug in” to shoreside electrical power instead of running on diesel power while at berth.