California District Goes Solar To Save $15 Million
The Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD) will deploy a 1.6-megawatt district-wide solar photovoltaic system that will save $15 million in energy costs over 25 years.
Currently in the design phase, the project will include solar panels in parking lots and open spaces at 12 schools and is projected to reduce carbon emissions by 16,172 tons during the 25-year lifespan of the installations.
"We are very excited to be working with such a forward thinking District," said Alex Smith, vice president at PsomasFMG , the company that will design, build, and operate the installations, said in a prepared statement. "The savings on energy costs that that the District will see can go directly back to the District.
Currently in the design phase, the prokect is scheduled to be fully operational by spring 2014.
"RBUSD is always looking for cost savings and we encourage every student to be mindful of the environment," said Laura Emdee, board president for the district, in a prepared statement. "This Solar project will save RBUSD millions while serving as a good environmental science example for our students and community."
California's Redondo Beach Unified School District includes eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, one adult school, and one continuation school. More information about the district is available at rbusd.org.
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Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].