ACADEMIA’S BIGGEST SOLAR POWER

This is what they mean when they call it "higher" education.

Chevron Energy Solutions Completes First Phase of North America's Largest Solar Power Project in Higher Education; 3.2-megawatt Solar System and Energy Efficiency Improvements Expected to Save Contra Costa Community College District $70 Million and Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Diane Pedurean/Suzanne Fox, January 31, 2008 (Chevron Corp/Contra Costa Community College via Yahoo Finance)

WHO
Chevron Energy Solutions (Jim Davis, president), a unit of Chevron Corporation; Contra Costa Community College District (CCCCD);

Chevron Energy Solutions installation at Sonoma State University

WHAT
Chevron has completed the 1st phase of the biggest higher education institution solar installation in North America, part of an efficiency and energy project for CCCCD.

WHEN
- The energy and efficiency project is expected to save CCCCD $70 million over 25 years.
- Phase 1, presently complete, is 2.65 megawatts of solar energy.
- Phase 2 adds 534 kilowatts later this year.

WHERE
- The solar system encompasses 3 CCCCD campuses and the district office.
- Solar panels are on 6 parking structures at at Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College.
- High efficiency lighting and energy management at three colleges and with additional heating/airconditioning/ventilation efficiency controls at the District Office.
- Upgrades to high voltage electrical systems at Diablo Valley College and Los Medanos College.

Chevron Energy Solutions installation at the University of Buffalo

WHY
- The solar energy system is state of the art and was designed, engineered and constructed by Chevron. It is 3.2 megawatts.
- The project covers 3 types of improvements: (1) the solar energy system; (2) high-efficiency lighting and energy management systems for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment; (3) high-voltage electrical system replacements.
- The solar system will generate 4 million kilowatt-hours yearly, up to half of CCCCD peak electricity. It improves the academic environment and creates a better electrical system. It will cut grid power purchases by 7.4 million kilowatt-hours per year.
Kiosks will show the output of the system.
- The project cost is $35.2 million. $8.5 million is offset by rebates and other incentives from Pacific Gas and Electric Company under California’s Solar Initiative, Self-Generation Incentive Program and Community College Partnership Program. The remaining $26.7 million comes from Measure A bond funds.

Chevron Energy Solutions installation at DeAnza Community College

QUOTES
- Jim Davis, president, Chevron Energy Solutions: “This project has shown that energy efficiency and renewable power together can bring substantial benefits for education and the environment…We’re delighted to partner with the District on a project that’s raised the bar in sustainable energy development.”
- California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi: “Chevron’s environmental leadership and work with the Contra Costa Community College District solar project is a shining example of how businesses can work with colleges to adapt and become a major player in the fight against global warming…Thinking green can no longer be a choice when looking toward the future. Smart businesses and colleges are looking over the horizon, building partnerships, and understand that the risks and opportunity associated with this critical issue must be part of their overall plan to grow and to be successful in the future.”
- CCCCD Chancellor Helen Benjamin: “The installation of solar panels and efficiency improvements at our three colleges underscores the District’s commitment to improving the environment…We are proud to set this new standard in environmental stewardship in our academic community.”