Case Study: Contra Costa Community College District
Solar Power and Energy Efficiency Program
Northern, California

Background
In 2006, Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD) embarked on an energy efficiency and solar program aimed at making its facilities more efficient, reliable and easier to manage, while reducing its energy costs and exposure to utility price fluctuations. This multi-facility program, which was funded through a public bond issue, included solar power generating systems at its three colleges—Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College—and energy infrastructure upgrades and energy management systems at CCCCD’s administrative office and the three colleges.

Solution
CCCCD selected Chevron Energy Solutions to design, engineer and construct energy efficiency improvements and solar power generating systems. These installations make the CCCCD’s buildings more energy efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly, as well as easier to manage. In addition, the project lowers the District's energy costs and reduces its exposure to utility price volatility.

The project included three types of improvements:

1. A 3.2-megawatt solar power generation system comprising photovoltaic panels mounted on 34 parking canopies in six parking lots at Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College;
2. High-efficiency lighting and energy management systems installed at the CCCCD’s three colleges and administrative office, as well as high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment at its administrative office; and
3. High-voltage electrical system replacements at Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College.

Benefits
The solar installation is expected to generate about four million kilowatt-hours of power each year, supplying up to half of the CCCCD’s peak electricity needs. The clean, renewable power offsets the production of about 5.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually—equivalent to removing more than 629 cars from the road or planting 636 acres of trees.

Other project benefits include:

• Better learning, teaching, and workplace environments
• Electrical equipment that functions more reliably as a result of new electrical infrastructure
• Reduced grid power purchases of 7.4 million kilowatt-hours per year, enough to power about 1,200 homes
• Shaded daytime parking for more than 1,600 cars and improved parking lot lighting at night
• Solar information displays that provide real-time data on the production, conversion and electricity output at each campus
• Better operations through energy management system controls and real-time monitoring of energy production and consumption.

A portion of the $35.2 million project cost is offset by about $8.5 million in rebates and other incentives administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company under the State of California’s Solar Initiative, Self-Generation Incentive Program and Community College Partnership Program. The net amount of $26.7 million, supported by Measure A bond funds, is being recovered over time by the annual cost savings achieved as a result of the new systems.

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