Solar Power Coming to Local Schools

Solar power is coming to the Cabrillo Unified School District.

Solar panel arrays are currently being installed at both Half Moon Bay High School and at Cunha Intermediate School. The projects are in partnership with SolarCity and are not part of the Measure S Facility Bond Program, said superintendent Tony Roehrick.

The Cabrillo Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board approved the power purchase agreements with Solar City on May 10, 2012.

SolarCity provides renewable electricity directly to homeowners, businesses and government organizations for less than they spend on utility bills. The solar project at CUSD is fully funded by SolarCity and they will own, operate, and provide all maintenance for the arrays and related components. CUSD will purchase the electrical power generated by the systems from SolarCity at rates set at below market projections over the duration of the agreement.

The solar arrays are currently being mounted on canopies covering portions of the parking lots at each campus. The canopies will be located in the upper student parking lot, as well as the lot nearest the softball complex at the high school. The main staff parking lot at the intermediate school will also house the canopies.

Together, the solar systems will generate about 525 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. On average, one ton of waste produces 525 kilowatt-hours. This is equivalent to the energy produced by a quarter-ton of coal or one barrel of oil, according to Integrated Waste Services Association, Conversion Factors.

SolarCity has completed or undertaken more than 200 solar projects for schools, community colleges and universities across the country.

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