Virginia school district offsets half its electricity needs with solar

Isle of Wight County Schools will now offset nearly 50% of the total electricity needs of seven of its schools with a combined 3.3-MW solar system. The combined rooftop arrays are projected to produce an estimated 4,252-MWh of clean energy each year for the Virginia schools.

Credit: Standard Solar

“This project does more than help the environment; it saves the school system money so they can focus on providing a more outstanding educational experience for their students,” said John Finnerty, director of business development, Standard Solar. “We’re proud to have put our solar project development and funding expertise and our deep knowledge of helping education institutions utilize renewables without utilizing capital budgets to work for Isle of Wight County Schools.”

The arrays on the rooftops of Carrollton Elementary School, Carrsville Elementary School, GD Tyler Middle School, Smithfield Main, Windsor Elementary School and Windsor High School, make Isle of Wight County Schools among the first in the area to transition to clean, reliable energy.

“Incorporating solar energy is cost-effective and helps the environment while reducing energy expenses and funneling savings to resources that directly impact student success,” said Jim Thornton, division superintendent for Isle of Wight County Schools.

According to a report by Generation180, 89 Virginia schools had installed solar as of the close of 2019. That number tripled between 2017 and 2019.

“This project is a shining example of the potential of the Virginia Clean Economy Act at work, making solar accessible and affordable for schools throughout Dominion Energy’s territory,” Finnerty said.

Standard Solar owns and operates the systems and provided engineering, design and construction oversight.

“Standard Solar’s project experience includes school systems like Isle of Wight County Schools, businesses, institutions, farms, governments, communities, brownfield redevelopment and utilities,” said Mike Streams, chief development officer at Standard Solar. “Our ability to navigate partnerships and ensure success for the customer makes us the go-to funding choice for project developers, community solar programs and organizations looking to implement or sell clean energy projects.”

News item from Standard Solar

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Original Source: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/12/virginia-school-district-offsets-half-its-electricity-needs-with-solar/