California schools to cut electricity costs with solar systems

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Six schools in California are to switch to solar power, with expectations of cutting their electricity costs by an average of 80 percent, according to BrighterEnergy.org.

Under the program, solar systems will be installed at the California High School, Dougherty Valley High School, Monte Vista High School, San Ramon Valley High School, Diablo Vista Middle School and Gale Ranch Middle School, the article noted.

District Superintendent Steve Enoch said, "We truly believe that we can maximize savings through these systems, while at the same time modeling thoughtful stewardship of our environment for our students and the community by producing clean, renewable solar power at our schools."

The systems will be financed through the use of low-interest Qualified School Construction Bonds, available through the federal Recovery Act, the article stated.

The San Ramon Valley Unified School District is wisely leveraging funding provided by the federal government to deliver clean energy to their schools, while dramatically lowering long-term operational costs," said Bill Kelly, managing director at SunPower.