Danville’s Athenian School Turns on New Solar Panels
February 11, 2009 by editor
Filed under Schools & Colleges, Solar News
Athenian School's new 1,300 solar energy panels, covering 30,000 square feet, provides power to the Danville, California private school.
Officials at the Athenian School have given themselves the top grade for a new solar power system they say will save money and the environment.
The private school in Danville on Wednesday launched its new power system - a baseball field-sized array of panels shaped into the letter “A” on the school’s hillside.
The 220-kilowatt system consists of 1,300 photo voltaic panels that cover 30,000 square feet, according to the school. It will provide half of the school’s electricity needs. It was designed and installed by REC Solar and Mitsubishi Electric and financed through a power purchase agreement with Tioga Energy that the school expects will save about $250,000, or 15 percent of annual energy costs, over 20 years.
The school said over the course of the 20-year agreement, the array will cut out the generation of nearly 12,800 pounds of smog-producing emissions and 66 million pounds of carbon dioxide.
Eric Louie
San Ramon Valley Times
Seven New Commercial Installations Highlight Wide Range of Businesses Switching to Solar
November 12, 2008 by editor
Filed under Businesses, Schools & Colleges
Even institutions devoted to God can use a little human intervention every once in awhile. That’s why Bethel Lutheran Church in Cupertino, CA, recently installed a 150 panel solar system with assistance from Akeena Solar. The panels will generate 34,000 kWh each year, and should save the church between $900 and $1200 each month.
Akeena Solar today announced the completion of seven commercial projects with many using the company’s light-weight and non-penetrating Andalay Flat Roof system.
“Considering the electricity costs associated with running a business and the rebates available, solar is a win-win kind of deal,” said Sandy Frazen, president of Creative Labels, a manufacturer of a wide variety of labels in Gilroy who recently installed the Andalay Flat Roof solar power system. “We are cutting our electricity bill, and the Andalay Flat Roof system installed quickly and easily, without any disruptions to our business. My employees and I feel great about the steps we’re taking to be green and energy efficient. It’s simply the right decision, and the timing is right from a business perspective.”
Recently completed, the 200-panel installation on Creative Label’s rooftop is the largest installation in Gilroy. Akeena’s six other small business installations are scattered throughout the Bay Area and Central Valley, and in total the seven projects will provide nearly 235 kW of solar power and reduce carbon dioxide by 269 tons a year-the equivalent to taking 1,500 cars off the road.
