SPG Solar – a leading national solar energy company – designed, engineered and constructed the 620kW system that spans two rooftops and five solar carports, using Kyocera KD 235-watt solar panels. Perpetual Energy Systems financed the system through a Power Purchase Agreement under which PLNU will purchase the electricity produced at a predetermined rate over 20 years.
Concurrent to the PV system’s construction was the installation of a 54 kW solar water heating system by Adroit Solar, an integrator of solar thermal systems. The system will provide an estimated 940 gallons of hot water a day to the student dorms and save the university $5,000 annually on utility bills. The project was financed by the Student Green Fund, a $5 semester fee initiated by students to provide funding for sustainability efforts on campus.
The two projects, which include more than 2,600 Kyocera solar panels, are expected to produce over 917,000 kilowatt-hours annually and provide a savings of up to $1.6 million over the next two decades.
What the partners are saying about these innovative solar projects:
“PLNU strives to be forward thinking and take a leadership role in sustainability efforts and environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Bob Brower, president of PLNU. “The stewardship of resources is one of our core values. It was through the strong partnership with Kyocera, SPG Solar, Perpetual Energy Systems, and Adroit Solar that we were able to expand our solar portfolio.”
“SPG Solar values its great partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University, to date installing nearly 1 megawatt (MW) of solar power on the campus,” said SPG Solar CEO Chris Robine. “Through the dedicated support from the students, faculty and staff, PLNU is a leader and preparing for the future – securing predictable energy rates and enriching the educational experience for the students with this cross campus solar power system.”
“PLNU is one of the most innovative universities, filled with students and faculty who are driven by energy, water and resource conservation. We applaud their decision to install a solar thermal system, which further showcases their sustainability efforts and provides consistent financial savings for years to come,” said Jim Backman, President of Adroit Solar.
“Recognized for its leadership in the area of sustainability, PLNU has joined a growing number of environmentally conscience academic institutions whose investment in clean solar generated-electricity will benefit future generations,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc.
“PES is proud to count PLNU among the ranks of universities that clearly understand the benefits of hosting solar energy through power purchase agreements,” said Michael Streams, Senior Vice President of Perpetual Energy Systems.
About Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University is a selective Christian liberal arts university located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1902, PLNU is known not only for its 90-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean but also for its well-rounded, forward-thinking graduates. In addition to more than 50 undergraduate areas of study, PLNU offers graduate program regional centers in Bakersfield, Arcadia, Mission Valley (San Diego) and the Inland Empire. PLNU serves more than 3,500 students. To learn more about PLNU visit http://www.pointloma.edu.
About SPG Solar
SPG Solar is a leading national solar energy company providing the highest quality and most reliable distributed solar power systems to large commercial, industrial, government and public energy users. Headquartered in the Bay Area, California, SPG Solar has been delivering the highest quality solar energy solutions to its customers for over a decade. SPG Solar provides the best products and services to clients from the SPG Solar SunSeeker® Tracker, a leading ground mount system generating more solar power, to SPG Solar Structured Finance, a team providing a full array of financial resources and expertise. With over 68 megawatts installed coast-to-coast, SPG Solar is a proven solar partner. For more information on SPG Solar and distributed solar power, please visit http://www.spgsolar.com.
About KYOCERA
Kyocera Corporation, a public company (http://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and plastics, and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of solar power generating systems, telecommunications equipment, printers, copiers, electronic components, semiconductor packages, cutting tools and industrial ceramics. During the year ended March 31, 2011, the company’s net sales totaled 1.27 trillion yen (approx. USD15.3 billion). The company is ranked #604 on Forbes magazine’s 2011 “Global 2000” listing of the world’s largest publicly traded companies.
About Perpetual Energy Systems
Perpetual Energy Systems is an independent power provider of solar energy projects, and has completed systems for Caltech, Santa Clara University, University of Delaware, Siemens, Jefferson Union School District and the City of Hollister, to name a few. By utilizing the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Perpetual is able to provide educational, industrial, commercial and municipal enterprises with on-site clean, energy resources with no capital (zero) outlay required from the host. Perpetual combines renewable energy tax incentives with conventional financing and sponsor equity to achieve the design, construction, installation, operations and maintenance of renewable energy systems. For more information, please contact Michael Streams at (310) 497-2134, or visit http://www.goperpetual.com.
About Adroit Solar
Adroit Solar is a San Diego renewable energy and energy efficient technology contractor with 25 years of experience in the industry. Adroit Solar installs solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, ground source geothermal heating and cooling systems, radiant heating and cooling systems, hydrogen fuel cells, micro turbines and provides design and specification work for development of energy independent “net zero,” high-end residential and commercial properties. They are a licensed contractor in California and Hawaii with C46 (solar) and C36 (plumbing) licenses, a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Visit http://www.adroitsolar.com to learn more.
