October 30, 2009

San Jose, CA, USA: Cupertino Electric Installs Solar System at Orchard School

Cupertino Electric's Energy Alternatives Division (CEI-EA) has completed installation of the solar photovoltaic system for the Orchard School District located in San Jose, Calif. During its first year of operation, the solar system is expected to reduce the District's annual electrical costs by an estimated forty percent.

PV System at Orchard School

Construction of the system began in June 2009, was installed by Cupertino Electric and was managed by Blach Construction Company.

The 240 kilowatt (kW) PV system is a "grid-tied" system owned by the District that enables the District to sell power back to utility company PG&E. Most importantly, the system allows the District to reallocate funds from facilities-related expenses to education-related expenses.

"I'd like to congratulate Orchard School District on the installation of their new solar system, which will allow them to spend less money on overhead and more on education," said San José Mayor Chuck Reed. "Solar projects like these support our city's Green Vision goals of building new clean tech jobs and generating all of our electricity from renewable sources."

"Cupertino Electric is honored to help the Orchard School District realize its economic and environmental goals by installing an industry-leading solar system," said John Curcio, Vice President of Cupertino Electric. "Thanks to the progressive practices of educational institutions like the District that utilize government incentives, solar systems are quickly becoming cost-effective, energy-efficient power solutions."

Further details about: Cupertino Electric, Inc