Press Releases
Lafayette School District Unveils 4 New Solar Systems
Publication: Business Wire
December 7, 2009
Solar Monkey and Tioga Energy Deliver 40-60% CA Schools’ Electricity from Solar
LAFAYETTE, Calif. — The Lafayette School District unveiled four new solar electric systems at the Burton Valley, Lafayette Elementary, Stanley Middle and Springhill schools, at a ceremony today with Lafayette Mayor Don Tatzin. The projects were developed and financed through two separate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs); one with Tioga Energy and one with Solar Monkey, enabling the school district to avoid the upfront cost of the installations. The new solar systems will not only support the district’s efforts to promote sustainability but the predictable pricing afforded through the PPA reduces energy costs and provides a hedge against electricity rate hikes in the future.
"Schools are an excellent place for solar; our electric rates, consumption patterns, and facilities are ideally suited to maximize the potential benefits solar can deliver. And by showing solar in action, schools educate the community and students about the benefits of this clean and renewable energy source," said Fred Brill, Superintendent at Lafayette School District. "It’s the high upfront costs that have historically stood in the way of making solar a reality for schools. However, the PPA approach offered by Tioga and Solar Monkey enable us to access the long-term benefits of renewable energy without the upfront costs."
Two systems, 131 kW each, at Burton Valley and Stanley Middle School, are provided through PPAs from Tioga Energy with Solar Monkey as project developer and integration partner. Lafayette Middle School’s 76 kW system and Springhill’s 100 kW system are provided through PPAs directly from Solar Monkey. Under the terms of the PPAs the Lafayette School District buys the electricity produced from the four systems while Tioga and Solar Monkey retain ownership and maintain the systems. All four rooftop installations combined will reduce the amount of electricity the District must purchase from PG&E by an estimated 40-60 percent.
"We are dedicated to helping educational institutions take full advantage of solar energy’s cost-saving, environmental and educational benefits. Students within the school district will learn first-hand about energy use and the solar power generated with the aid of an interactive kiosk and online data access," said Matthew McCullough, CEO of Solar Monkey.
"Energy remains one of the largest variable costs for schools," said Paul Detering, CEO of Tioga Energy. "By transforming a fluctuating expense into a lower and more predictable cost, Tioga’s PPA structure enables schools to go green and direct financial resources away from energy and back to the classroom."
About Solar Monkey[TM]
Solar Monkey specializes in providing grid-tied solar power solutions for the educational sector, commercial and industrial property owners, and public entities. Solar Monkey offers customers a simplified solution to renewable energy that makes good business sense, allowing customers to minimize their footprint on the environment while maximizing operational efficiency. Information on Solar Monkey and the ways in which Solar Monkey makes it easy and intelligent to go solar is available at www.solarmonkey.net
About Tioga Energy
Tioga Energy enables commercial, government and non-profit organizations to reduce their energy costs while lowering carbon emissions. Through the SurePath(SM)solar power purchase agreement (PPA), Tioga Energy owns and operates renewable energy systems that provide organizations a hedge against energy price volatility and accelerate their access to clean energy without any capital outlay. For more information call 877.333.9787 or visit: www.tiogaenergy.com