Solar Arrays at 14 Sites Expected to Generate 75 Percent of Annual Power Needs and Lower Carbon Emissions by 23,600 Metric Tons

Milpitas Unified School District, in collaboration with Chevron Energy Solutions and Bank of America, today announced it has begun construction on a 14-site, districtwide solar power and energy efficiency program designed to supply 75 percent of the district’s total annual electricity needs through solar energy.

The 3.4-megawatt solar installation will generate what is believed to be the highest percentage of solar power for any K-12 school district in the United States and will supply 100 percent of the district’s power during the peak-demand summer months, when California’s electricity needs are greatest.

The program benefits the district and school community in several ways:

• Cost Savings – The program is designed to reduce the district’s energy costs by more than 22 percent and will result in $12 million in savings for the district’s general fund over the life of the solar power system, while providing positive cash flow and budget predictability through known energy costs.
• Clean Energy – By lowering the district’s purchase of utility power, the solar project will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 23,600 metric tons – equivalent to planting 270 acres of trees.
• Education – The program provides an on-site laboratory for alternative energy and opportunities for providing energy science education.
• Comfort – The new solar-paneled structures will provide shade for cars and people.

“We are proud to do our part to contribute toward the state of California’s goal of using renewable and ultraclean power generation to achieve grid-neutral school facilities,” said Dr. Karl Black, superintendent of Milpitas Unified School District. “We appreciate the support that David Thorman, state architect of California, and his team provided and the partnership with Chevron Energy Solutions and Bank of America to make this program a reality.”

Chevron Energy Solutions (CES), a unit of Chevron (NYSE:CVX), will construct parking canopies and shade structures mounted with solar photovoltaic arrays at 13 schools and one district site. CES will provide maintenance for the solar power system as well as measure and guarantee its performance.