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Belmar to install solar panels on garage rooftops

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Contributed by: Peggy Mackinnon on 4/1/2008

Continuum Partners announced March 27 that 8,300 solar panels will be installed on the roof of the parking garages at its Belmar development. Construction is under way and panel installation is expected to begin in August 2008. The 1.7 megawatt array will generate approximately 2.3 million kilowatt hours of clean electrical energy per year. The solar power output represents approximately 5 percent of Belmar's total power consumption.

"This is one of the most ambitious renewable energy projects initiated in Colorado to date," said John Hereford of Hereford Capital Advisors, a development partner in the project. "Any time you are first around the track, things can be challenging. Many developers talk about green, but it takes a committed visionary like Continuum to make this type of project a reality."

The project is being financed by MMA Renewable Ventures and designed and installed by SunPower Corporation.

"Our decision to partner with MMA and SunPower was a key factor to the success of this project," said Mark Falcone, Continuum managing partner. "For a project of this scope and complexity, we have been well served by teaming up with the largest and most experienced partners in the sector."

The solar panels will be installed on 125,000 square feet of three parking garages in the mixed-use development, including on the top level of the Whole Foods Market garage. Each solar cell will collect energy generated by the sun, which is then converted from DC to AC voltage so it can be fed into the Xcel energy grid. Xcel will then sell the electricity back to Belmar to power the garages.

The Belmar project is part of the Xcel Energy Solar Rewards Program, initiated as part of the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance obligations. It will represent the largest parking structure mounted solar array in the country.

"The new solar array is the latest example of the commitment to environmental sustainability demonstrated by Continuum Partners from day one at Belmar," said Bob Murphy, Mayor of Lakewood. "Being able to showcase the use of alternative energy in projects like Belmar is important as we continue working toward attracting jobs from the new energy sector to Lakewood."

Belmar is dedicated to the responsible use of limited natural resources and the reduction of energy use. The Belmar district also features a small urban wind farm with 14 turbines powering lighting for a large parking lot as well as solar powered pay-and-display parking kiosks used to manage 350 on-street parking spaces.

In addition, Belmar used the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED®) criteria to guide the design and development of many buildings in the project. A three-story mixed use building with office over retail space was the first building of its type in the nation to receive a Silver-level LEED certification.

"The Department of Energy estimates that 39 percent of the total U.S. energy resources are consumed by residential and commercial buildings," said Tom Gougeon, director of development for Continuum Partners LLC, developer of Belmar. "By incorporating green building principles into our buildings, developers, builders and facility managers can have a significant impact on reducing energy consumption."

Belmar, located 10 minutes from downtown Denver at South Wadsworth Boulevard and West Alameda Avenue in Lakewood, is a walkable community that includes 70 shops and 14 restaurants, entertainment, cultural activities, homes, offices and ample free parking. For more information, visit www.belmarcolorado.com or call 303-742-1520.

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