FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pacifica Radio KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles
KPFK 90.7 Announces Construction of an
Onsite Solar Canopy
Pacifica Radio KPFK Los Angeles Walks the Progressive Talk, Embarking on a Clean and Independent Energy Project
November 22, 2010 – North Hollywood, CA. Pacifica Radio KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles will sign an agreement with SunGreen Systems today, initiating the first solar energy project for a radio station in Los Angeles. Once funds are raised, a parking-lot based solar photovoltaic canopy system will be installed at the KPFK studios in North Hollywood. The system will reduce KPFK’s energy costs by an estimated 31%, supplying the building with an off-grid energy source. With a relatively short production time, the project is scheduled for completion in March of 2011.
SunGreen Systems (http://www.sungreensystems.com) provides solar energy solutions to residential and commercial customers. Based in Irwindale, California, the SunGreen Systems team consists of architects, real-estate developers and solar-energy experts.
Says SunGreen Chairman Y.Y. Lin, “We’re honored to help make KPFK the first public radio station in Southern California to power its facilities with sunlight. It’s a natural fit, since both SunGreen and KPFK actively promote community interests and clean energy.”
Actor and environmental advocate Ed Begley Jr. has agreed to lend his assistance in getting the word out as KPFK begins the necessary fundraising for this building improvement. On KPFK going solar, Ed says, “I know that solar works, because it's been powering my house and charging my car since 1990. Thank you, KPFK, for leading the way yet again by going solar.”
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Mike Papantonio and David Bender of the recently incorporated radio program Ring of Fire Radio stated, “Clean solar power is a critical component of a decarbonized American energy future - one that creates new jobs, unleashes technical innovations, and ensures America's energy security. We at Ring of Fire Radio are proud to be part of the KPFK and Pacifica family. And we congratulate you for becoming the first public radio station to go solar in Southern California – where, we are reliably informed, it never rains."
The solar canopy system will reduce carbon dioxide emissions equal to planting 18.4 acres of trees. The annual carbon reduction estimates include:
· 165 pounds of nitrous oxide from western coal
· 56,941 pounds of carbon dioxide from western coal
· 36,442 pounds of carbon dioxide from natural gas
The SunGreen-designed system will be manufactured domestically and qualify as a domestic end product under the Buy America Act (BAA) and as a domestic manufactured product under the America Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“We hope to set an example to our community and listeners,” said KPFK Operations Director Zuberi Fields. “Not only do we create an off-grid energy source, but we show our neighbors the value of committing to the environment through renewable energy.”
The project should be completed in March 2011. The signing ceremony takes place Monday, November 22. More information about the project can be found at www.KPFK.org. To cover the costs of the system, KPFK is soliciting tax-deductible donations through the website: http://bit.ly/cb4vS3
KPFK is part of the Pacifica Radio Network, which began 60 years ago in Berkeley, California, founded by journalist and Pacifist Lew Hill. KPFK Radio is heard throughout Southern California at 90.7 FM Los Angeles, 98.7 FM Santa Barbara, 93.7 FM Northern San Diego County and worldwide at KPFK.org.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Zuberi Fields
KPFK Operations Director
Off. (818) 985-2711 ext 224
Mobile (818) 577-0285
operations@kpfk.org
####
