Milpitas Schools, Chevron & BOA Complete 3.4-MW Solar Project (Calif.)

[jpak]

Milpitas Unified School District, Chevron Energy Solutions and Bank of America announced the completion of a 14-site, district-wide solar and energy efficiency project designed to supply 75 percent of the district's total annual electricity needs through solar energy.

The 3.4-megawatt (MW) solar parking canopies and shade structures supply 100 percent of the district's power during the summer months when California's peak-demand electricity needs are greatest. The program is designed to reduce the district's energy costs by more than 22 percent and save the district's general fund US $12 million over the life of the solar project, while providing budget predictability through known energy costs.

<not much more>

[Citizen Number 9]

1. I presume they don't conduct a full-tme Summer schedule.

Sorta an interesting use of PV - to take the edge off utilities during a time the schools themselves don't see full demand.

I'm not understanding how this will save 75% of the district's total annual usage, though. How could 100% of Summer usage be 75% of annual usage, unless the arrays provide much more than 100% of the Summer needs....

[NYC_SKP]

2. Poorly worded, probably.

Like if you got all your firewood from your land, but also sold a few cords.

Do you get %100 of your firewood from your land or do you get more than %100?

MUSD gets %100 of their summer power needs filled by the system, with surplus power going to PG&E.

Their facilities and classrooms are not all operating as they do during the school year so, yes, their needs are lower.

Also, the summer days are more productive, naturally, so easier to reach 100% supply.

[kristopher]

3. As a multiMW facility, they've essentially gone into the business of power production.

They have the space (+ the added benefit of panels doing double duty as shelter) and an existing dedicated cash flow, so it is a good use of their energy dollars.