Case Study: Milpitas Unified School District
Solar Power and Energy Efficiency Program
Milpitas, California

Background
In late 2007, the Milpitas Unified School District met with Chevron Energy Solutions to discuss the development of a solar power and energy efficiency initiative that would support four key objectives: (1) economic leadership, (2) environmental stewardship, (3) educational opportunity, and (4) positive public recognition and community outreach. The district wanted to build a project that would have a lasting impact and serve as a successful model for renewable power, energy efficiency and energy education for other school districts. The district envisioned a program that would promote clean energy while saving general fund dollars and serve as a living laboratory for teachers and students.

Solution
Chevron Energy Solutions (CES) developed a comprehensive solar power and energy efficiency program that provides 75 percent of the district’s annual electricity needs through solar energy.

CES engineered and constructed a 3.4-megawatt photovoltaic solar power system comprised of solar panel–topped parking canopies and shade structures located at 13 school sites and one district site. The solar installation generates what is believed to be the highest percentage of solar power for any K–12 school district in the U.S. During the peak-demand summer months, the system supplies 100% of the district’s electricity needs.

To improve efficiency, energy management software was installed on the district’s computers. CES is maintaining the solar power system’s equipment and measuring and guaranteeing its performance.

As part of the program’s educational component, the solar installations provide a living laboratory that supports curriculum that is aligned with the state’s testing requirements and designed to improve student achievement.

Educational displays are installed at the 14 sites to display project information and real-time energy production data and to promote energy awareness.

Bank of America structured and financed the project through its Banc of America Public Capital Corp Environmental Services team.

The overall cost of the program was offset by $4.2 million from the California Solar Initiative and other incentives.

Benefits
The solar power and energy efficiency program reduces the district’s energy costs by more than 22 percent, which translates to an estimated $12 million in savings to the general fund over the life of the project. The district benefits from positive cash flow and budget predictability through known energy costs.

An additional benefit is the sun protection provided by the solar panel–topped canopies and shade structures for parked cars and people.

The clean power generation offsets the production of carbon emissions by an estimated 23,600 metric tons, the equivalent of planting 270 acres of trees.

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