SunPower Signs With California School District To Offset 75% Of Electricity Demand

US solar power company SunPower has signed with the Escondido Union High School District to offset 75% of the District’s annual electricity demand.

SunPower announced the signing of a new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Escondido Union High School District in California, which will see SunPower build 2 MW worth of solar power systems at four schools in the district. As a result, the district will offset approximately 75% of its annual electricity demand and save $13.4 million in electricity costs over the 20 year agreement period.

Even better news for the school district is that the agreement requires no upfront capital investment, as SunPower will bear the cost of constructing solar carport systems on school property, and provide the District with competitive electricity rates, not to mention proof against potential utility rate increases.

The solar car ports, which will obviously also provide shade for cars parking underneath, are expected to be operational by the end of this year.

“As a result of this agreement with SunPower, Escondido Union High School District will significantly reduce our energy costs, enabling us to apply the savings where they are needed, such as for enhanced academic programs or facility upgrades,” said EUHSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Michael Simonson. “SunPower’s deep experience working with school districts is as important as the long-term performance of its technology. We are proud to support the development of additional solar power resources in our community.”

“Escondido Union High School District can rely on these SunPower systems to deliver exceptional value for the next 20 years,” added Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units. “SunPower has extensive experience working with school districts to deliver innovative solar solutions. It is extremely rewarding to enable our public schools to achieve significant operational savings while inspiring students with the great potential of solar power.”

Image Credit: via SunPower Twitter