Jun 9 2009
Real Goods Solar (NASDAQ:RSOL) announced today it has signed a contract to design and install solar electric systems totaling 3.65 megawatts for the Fremont Union High School District in Sunnyvale, Cupertino and west San Jose, California. The new solar systems will be constructed as carports at all five high schools in the District and are expected to save District taxpayers over $12 million in the total cost of electricity over the next 25 years.
The five systems will contribute enough electricity to cover about 45% of the power usage of each school. This solar program, exceeding $30 million, is believed to be the largest direct purchase by a secondary school system in North America, financed by a portion of a $198M school bond approved by the District’s voters in June 2008.
The District researched many alternative energy options before choosing Real Goods Solar for these installations across school campuses. The system monitoring that Real Goods Solar provides will enable campuses to track their electricity offset in the years ahead.
Glenn Evans, COO/Associate Superintendent, stated, “Electricity is our single largest expense other than teachers and staff and we can only use school bond funds for facilities and equipment. By investing bond dollars in solar, we will save many tens of millions of dollars on electric utility bills over the coming decades and that savings will go directly into supporting educational programs and students. Real Goods Solar worked very closely with us to develop a solar power system customized to our energy needs. Solar electricity will be a huge win for everyone – for taxpayers, for students, for our community and for the environment.”
A Groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the Homestead High School site on June 9 at 12:45 p.m.