US solar giant SunEdison has announced it will install, monitor and manage a collective 1.8 MW of solar panel capacity for Rosedale Union School District (RUSD) in Bakersfield, California.
The installation of solar power systems at the nine schools will save RUSD approximately USD $55,000 on electricity costs in the first year and more than USD $2 million over 20 years. Nearly 5,000 solar panels will be installed for the project.
“In addition to the cost savings and added value to the classroom, this project helps reduce our carbon footprint and create a sustainable and brighter future for our children,” said John G. Mendiburu, Ed.D, Superintendent, RUSD.
SunEdison says it works with school districts across California to reduce energy costs, which frees up funds for the schools to use towards academic and other programs.
School buildings are often ideal platforms for hosting solar arrays. While the Solar Schools program in Australia is no longer active, solar still represents a viable way for learning institutions to slash their power bills while demonstrating environmental leadership and providing additional learning opportunities for students.
In other recent SunEdison news, the company has donated solar modules to Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program in the USA.
The solar panels will be used in training courses designed to equip participants with the skills required to install solar energy systems.
“Supporting Homeboy Industries is a win-win as they provide unparalleled rehabilitation services while feeding the talent pool in the growing solar installation market in which we participate,” said Ravi Sankaran, director of corporate social responsibility at SunEdison.
SunEdison is a fully vertically integrated solar company; with solar installations, manufacturing facilities and 39 offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. At the time of writing, SunEdison systems installed to date had collectively generated more than 4.1 billion kilowatt hours of clean electricity.
