January 21, 2010

Rocklin, CA, USA: Sierra College to Seek Power Purchase Agreement for Two PV Systems

Sierra College is moving forward with plans for photovoltaic systems at the Rocklin and Nevada County campuses in order to reduce energy costs at those two locations. Utilizing a combination of new covered carport areas and existing roof space for the photovoltaic panels, the priority is to target specific meters in close proximity to those structures.

The District anticipates as much as $125K savings from the current $1.5M in annual electric energy costs. During a time of revenue and budget reductions, as well as the available Federal tax credit and utility company rebates/incentives, the timing is right.

To make the project financially viable, the District will enter into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement with a single entity (provider), who will bear all of the costs of and then own the project. In turn, the District agrees to purchase energy from the provider, which will save the District money and, over time, repay the provider. Of course, the benefits of the project are not just monetary.

The District is committed to reducing carbon footprint and utilizing "green" alternatives as much as possible, as evidenced by the recent Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating for the new Tahoe-Truckee campus which opened in October 2008. The covered parking areas will be a much appreciated addition by the students and staff at both campuses.

The Sierra College Board of Trustees approved the solar photovoltaic plan at their January 12th Board Meeting. In early March, the District will be accepting proposals for a Power Purchase Agreement from firms to design, engineer, procure, construct, finance, own, and operate the rooftop and carport photovoltaic power generating systems at the Rocklin and Grass Valley campuses.

Construction will begin during the summer and extend into the fall semester.

Email requests for information to jpelton©sierracollege.edu.