SAN JOSÉ, Calif., February 5, 2009 — San José Unified School District, Chevron Energy Solutions and Bank of America announced today the completion of what is believed to be the largest K-12 solar and energy efficiency project in the United States.
The project, which includes a total of 5.5 megawatts of solar power at 14 district sites, is expected to reduce the district’s energy costs by more than 30 percent. Reductions in energy costs are expected to save the district’s general fund more than $25 million over the 25-year life of the project. The district was not required to provide any capital investment, allowing it to retain its capital budget for other important infrastructure projects.
“San José Unified School District remains on the ‘cutting edge’ of change, whether it is bringing state of the art technology to our classrooms, best practices for teaching and learning to our staff and students, or in this case a solar and energy efficiency program that not only has a positive impact on our environment but also a positive impact on our budget,” said San José Unified Superintendent Don Iglesias. “We will continue to seek out partnerships such as these, that are a win-win for the community and benefit San José Unified School District.”
The district will reduce its purchase of utility power through this program, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 100,000 metric tons, equivalent to planting more than 1,400 acres of trees. Variable-speed drives and premium high efficiency motors were installed in the district’s swimming pools to improve energy efficiency. Students within the San José Unified School District will also have the opportunity to learn first hand about energy use and the solar power generated on their campus with the aid of interactive kiosks.
“The Silicon Valley is known for innovation, and this program is no exception. We’re proud that our school district is leading the way by having the largest K-12 solar and energy efficiency project in the United States,” said Leslie Reynolds, president of the San José Unified School District Board of Education. “It is important to show our students and other school districts that we can generate renewable power at our facilities without capital investment from the district and still achieve cost savings for our general fund.”
Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron (NYSE: CVX), designed, built and operates the solar photovoltaic arrays for the district. The company also provides maintenance for the solar energy system and measures and guarantees its performance. Chevron Energy Solutions is the nation's largest installer of solar energy for education institutions and has developed hundreds of projects involving energy efficiency or renewable power for education, government and business customers in the U.S. since 2000.
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