Energy

Maryland School District Wraps Up Major Solar Upgrade

• By Sri Ravipati
• 08/16/17

On Wednesday, the fifth largest public school district in Maryland, the Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS), completed a project that will enable solar energy to power its 125 schools and nine administrative buildings.

The district, which first began its green initiatives back in 2013, enlisted Standard Solar to introduce a 1.4 Megawatt ground solar mount array capable of producing 1,971 Megawatt/hour of electricity each year. 

AACPS signed a long-term purchase agreement with the Maryland-based solar energy company to use nearly 4,000 panels, according to a prepared statement.

“We have more than 13.4 million square feet of facility space and a $26 million utility budget. It is essential that we reduce our energy consumption, explore renewable energy and be efficient with our energy use,” AACPS Superintendent of Schools George Arlotto said in the statement.

In Maryland, a recent study by an independent nonprofit solar research and education organization found that nearly 1,870 public and private K–12 schools statewide could potentially deploy solar energy systems and generate electricity valued at $18 million annually as a result. Anne Arundel was identified as one of five counties with the most potential for benefit — estimated to create more than 100 jobs and save approximately $1 million over a 30-year period.

Standard Solar will own and operate the system. To learn more, visit the company site.