Sutter hospital to install solar energy system

Auburn, CA-based Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital plans to install a solar energy system in early 2009 that will supply about 50% of the hospital's power needs, hospital officials said. The 736-kilowatt system will include elevated solar panels in an employees parking lot and a ground-mounted tracking system on nearby property to follow the sun throughout the day. Hospital officials said the new system will provide savings on energy costs and more predictable rates than the volatile energy market.