Chevron Energy+San Dieguito Union High School District=$4.7 million solar energy project, expected to save the district millions in the future
(New solar panels at Canyon Crest Academy, San Dieguito Union High School District)
The solar installation is expected to produce more than 70 % of the electricity needed at Canyon Crest Academy and La Costa Canyon High School. By reducing its purchase of utility power, it is anticipated that the district will reduce carbon (CO2) emissions by more than 2,200 metric tons.
Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), and San Dieguito Union High School District announced today the completion of a 2MW solar project, which is expected to save the district more than $10 million in energy savings over the life of the project. The solar project is producing approximately 70 percent of the electricity required at Canyon Crest Academy and La Costa Canyon High School. By reducing its purchase of utility power, the district is reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 2,200 metric tons, equivalent to removing more than 400 cars from the road.
"Our mission is to provide a world class education for all students through quality programs that engage students and inspire achievement," said Ken Noah, superintendent of San Dieguito Union High School District. "The savings from this solar project will help us meet our goals."
Chevron Energy Solutions designed, built, operates, maintains, measures and guarantees the solar system's performance for the district. The company is one of the largest installers of solar power in the U.S. education market and has developed hundreds of projects that improve energy efficiency and provide renewable power for education, government and business facilities.
"We are proud to help the San Dieguito Union High School District generate cost savings by using solar power," said Jim Davis, president of Chevron Energy Solutions. "In addition to cost savings, the project also benefits the environment by using clean, renewable power."
The cost of the project was offset by more than $4.7 million obtained as a rebate from the California Solar Initiative and other funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The California Center for Sustainable Energy assisted the San Dieguito Union High School District in pursuing this solar project and an overall energy strategy.
"This project is a terrific example of how solar panels can be integrated in parking lots with the installation supplying both electrical power for the school and shading to protect the students' cars from the effects of weathering and sunlight," said Irene Stillings, executive director of the California Center for Sustainable Energy.
"The San Dieguito Union High School District and Chevron Energy Solutions have shown how creative ideas for solar projects can be combined to make the most of available funding while setting a good example for students at the school, who will eventually be making their own energy decisions," Stillings said.
