San Francisco School District Actives 1.68 MW of Systems

Today, the South San Francisco Unified School District and Chevron Energy Solutions activated the largest K-12 solar and energy efficiency program in San Mateo County. The project has provided nearly 100 local green jobs and is expected to reduce the district’s utility costs by $20 million over the next 25 years. The project is anchored by solar panel arrays at 15 elementary, middle, and high school sites throughout the district. In total, the systems are expected to produce 1.68 megawatts of electricity, directly offsetting much of the district’s energy needs at each site.

Solar panels grace the hillside at one of 15 South San Francisco Unified School District sites to receive solar arrays designed, engineered and installed by Chevron Energy Solutions.

The project was funded through Measure J, a local bond measure approved by voters in November 2010that raised $162 million specifically to improve school infrastructure and enhance the student learning environment.

Through the use of solar energy, the district expects to cut its annual total electrical usage in half and reduce its carbon emissions by more than 1,500 metric tons, equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 330 acres of pine trees.

“Today, a dream becomes a reality because of the trust the residents of South San Francisco have in their school district,” said School Board President Judith M. Bush “Without their support, none of this would have been possible.”

The project has also dramatically improved the classroom learning environment through the integration of advanced, high-performing energy efficient technologies, a goal central to the intent behind Measure J.

“As Superintendent, I am proud of the partnership we have entered with Chevron Energy Solutions.” said, District Superintendent Alejandro Hogan “Their commitment to the success of school districts throughoutCalifornia is something that will benefit the state and its residents for generations to come.”

Chevron Energy Solutions designed and engineered the project while also installing, operating, maintaining, and guaranteeing the solar systems’ performance for 20 years. The company has also implemented energy efficiency improvements in the district’s lighting, irrigation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, which are expected to provide better lighting quality and aesthetics, lower maintenance costs and improved indoor climate. Chevron will also provide professional development for teachers, curriculum materials and hands-on experiments aligned with state standards to help create a living laboratory that promotes environmental awareness and energy consciousness.

“As the leader in solar and energy efficiency projects for educational institutions, we are pleased to work with the South San Francisco Unified School District to improve the learning environment for students,” said Chevron Energy Solutions President Jim Davis. “Through this project, the district is investing in sustainable programs that deliver ongoing value to the community.”

The project is the latest in a series completed by Chevron Energy Solutions and local school districts, and celebrated by California state leaders, who have for years stressed the importance of innovation in providing greater resources to public education in the face of ongoing budget deficits.

“Harnessing the power of the sun helps make our schools more environmentally sustainable, cuts their energy bills, and creates thousands of teachable moments for our students,” said California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. “That’s a win-win-win proposition, for our schools and for California.”

An event to celebrate activation of the new system is being held today at Westborough Middle School inSouth San Francisco. Students, district representatives, government and business officials are expected to attend the event, including State Superintendent of Instruction Tom Torlakson, State AssemblymemberJerry Hill, South San Francisco Councilmember Kevin Mullin, and South San Francisco Unified Board President Judith M. Bush.