A California university activated its 1.1 megawatt solar energy system, meeting the school's objective of installing 1.3 megawatts of solar power by 2010.

California Institute of Technology's more than 4,500 solar panels will generate about 1,646,668 kilowatt hours of clean energy during its first year of operation. CalTech entered into the agreement with Perpetual Energy Systems, an independent power producer who owns, operates and maintains the system.

"CalTech is making great strides toward 'greening' its entire campus and Perpetual is honored to have helped it reach its solar energy production goals for 2010 through this installation," said Joseph Rodriguez, company president and chief executive officer.

Seven rooftops at the Woodland Hills campus will host the panels – including an athletic center, halls, and two parking structures.

"This recent installation, which brings Caltech's total installed solar capacity to 1,300 kilowatts representing 2 percent of the Institute's energy consumption, contributes significantly to our plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020," said John Onderdonk, Caltech's Sustainability Manager.