The Auburn Union School District (AUSD) recently approved a solar energy and lighting efficiency project that will help the school district save $43,000 in the first year and more in future years without any upfront costs. This exciting project will provide AUSD with much needed energy savings as well as improved lighting at each campus by installing solar photovoltaic power and new, more energy efficient lighting systems for Auburn Elementary School, E.V. Cain Charter Middle School, Rock Creek Elementary School, and Skyridge Elementary School.
"The solar panels not only help make our schools more environmentally friendly," said Daniel Berlant, board president, Auburn Union School District, "but more important, the project will save our District tens of thousands of dollars each year which will go directly back into the classrooms."
AUSD is not providing any general fund dollars nor taking out any loans for the installations. The projects are funded through a “Power Purchase Agreement” with iecRenewables, LLC, through which the school district pays the commercial owner of the systems for the solar power generated and receives the lighting projects for free. AUSD will save an estimated $43,000 the first year and up to $3.5 Million over 25 years without any up-front costs. The commercial owner will receive Federal tax incentives that are not available directly to the school district to help pay for the costs of the project. As a result of the incentives and to provide further energy savings, Indoor Environmental Services (IES) will be installing all new, highly efficient lighting systems designed to enhance the learning environment of the school classrooms and other areas, also without any District capital.
The solar power systems will create 540 kilowatts of power and is designed to generate 80% of the schools’ annual electrical energy needs. The project will install 1932 solar panels on unused embankments and field space at the schools and also include some new parking shade structures at E.V. Cain and Skyridge. Construction is planned to start in the spring and be completed and operational by next summer.
Photos of similar projects:
iecRenewables, LLC, develops, owns, and operates renewable energy projects. iecRenewables partners with leading financing, manufacturing, and environmental companies to plan, develop, install, and operate both small- and large-scale solar and wind projects. The company assists municipalities, school districts, and commercial clients in meeting energy goals, achieving cost reductions, and generating increased revenue. http://www.iecrenewables.com
Indoor Environmental Services is a full service Mechanical and Energy Services Contractor involved in the Design and Construction of HVAC systems, Service and Maintenance, as well as Facility Solutions Projects for various educational, commercial, institutional, industrial, agricultural and health care facilities. http://www.ies-hvac.com
Auburn Elmentary Solar Project Site Map (Printable Version)
E.V. Cain STEM Charter Solar Project Site Map (PDF Version)
Rock Creek Solar Project Site Map (Printable Version)
Skyridge Solar Project Site Map (Printable Version)
Estimated 25 Year Cash Flow Analysis (Printable Version)
Energy Savings Agreement Approved September 28, 2011
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