Lighting schools with solar lights
Solar system will be installed in several schools of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District. There are many advantages of installing solar lighting in schools. Firstly, the energy saving lights will cut off the budget of school. Secondly, the solar lights will reminds the children about the energy crisis of the earth so that they will be aware of the importance of energy saving and environment protecting.
The district decided to install solar system for the schools. The purchase of the systems will be financed using low interest Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCBs) available as a result of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The solar power generated by the systems is expected to offset an average of 80 percent of the electricity costs at each school, achieving an estimated savings of more than $2 million for the district in the first year.
"The San Ramon Valley Unified School District is wisely leveraging funding provided by the federal government to deliver clean energy to their schools, while dramatically lowering long-term operational costs," said Bill Kelly, managing director at SunPower. "We are very pleased to work with the district, and congratulate them on their significant commitment to renewable, emission-free solar power."
At the six schools (including California High School, Dougherty Valley High School, Monte Vista High School, San Ramon Valley High School, Diablo Vista Middle School and Gale Ranch Middle School), SunPower will be installing solar carport tracking systems that provide shade as well as generate solar electric power. SunPower E-Series solar panels, the most efficient solar panels commercially available, will be mounted on the trackers, which will follow the sun throughout the day, increasing sunlight capture over conventional fixed-tilt systems, while significantly reducing land use requirements.
The solar lights will improve the lighting environment of the schools, and this will provide great insurance to the safety of the students there. What’s more, the installation of the solar street lights will help the students to get more idea about energy saving.
