At the California's Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) annual conference in Sacramento, SunPower Corp.(NASDAQ: SPWR) announced that SunPower solar power systems installed at 92 of California's K-12 public schools have delivered an estimated total savings of $5.6 million in 2012.
"Over the next 25 years, SunPower solar power systems are expected to generate $140 million in school district savings that can be used to support and promote academic excellence. As a California company, with roots firmly in California education, it is extremely rewarding to deliver these valuable savings to our public schools," said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, regions. "SunPower offers the world's highest performing solar systems, with guaranteed performance that ensures these districts lock in positive financial returns."
California school districts with SunPower systems include San Ramon Valley Unified, Porterville Unified and Oxnard Union High Schools. Mount Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) has SunPower systems operating at 51 schools, totaling 12.1 megawatts and representing the largest commitment to solar by a school district in the U.S. MDUSD estimates that its systems reduce the district's electricity costs by more than $3 million per year.
"Mount Diablo Unified School District is eliminating a very significant amount of our electrical costs from the district's general fund in the first year of our solar systems' operation, generating additional financial resources that are needed for our schools and classrooms," says Superintendent Steven Lawrence. "Saving our schools' money while reducing emissions is the right thing to do for our students and the environment. We are very satisfied with our decision to team with SunPower to bring the largest K-12 solar project in the country to fruition."
In 2012, SunPower systems at California school districts have offset the production of almost 19,000 tons of carbon dioxide, according to estimates provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This is equivalent to removing 3,560 cars from California roads.
To date this year, SunPower was awarded two new contracts to build solar power systems on school campuses. Sweetwater Union High School District has increased its commitment to solar from six campuses with operational SunPower systems to 22 campuses, and Santa Ana Unified School District is planning SunPower systems at 10 schools.