More schools considering solar

Installing solar panels can be a greener way for schools to conduct business, while possibly saving ever-growing electric costs. The challenge for school districts, many already cash-strapped, is financing the investment. A larger up-front cost means a greater return, but few districts have the revenue to move forward with that model. As a result, a number of San Mateo County school districts are researching the greener approach but not yet investing in it.

"I’m pro solar,” said Phil Weise, South San Francisco Unified School District Board trustee. "It’s environmentally sound and if it saves the district money, that’s even better.”

Tonight, on Earth Day, the South San Francisco Unified School District will be the most recent to study solar power to save the district money.

Weise added exploring such options are necessary in this economic climate in which state money continues to dwindle.

Thursday’s proposal from Chevron Energy Solutions outlines a plan to place panels on El Camino High School. The options, which could produce 1.5 to 3 megawatts depending on the number of panels, resulting in $15 million to $35 million in proceeds over the lifetime of the system. Building it, however, also comes with a price tag of $10 million to $24 million. Most likely, such a project would be covered through a bond measure.

South San Francisco doesn’t have a bond measure, but has been studying either going out for one or a parcel tax.

The San Mateo Union High School District decided to move forward with just such a $32 million system in November. Panels will be placed on all six comprehensive high school campuses to allow the district to incorporate them into green curriculum thanks to voter-approved bond money. Developing the curriculum will be a partnership between the district and the contractor, explained Elizabeth McManus, deputy superintendent of business services.

SunPower, which won the district contract, will provide expertise in developing the curriculum to be sure the correct resources are in the classroom, McManus said.

While the district favors the environmental aspects, going green should result in a cash boost. For starters, it should lower the $1.1 million annual electric bill. Combining a drop in electric costs and rebates available over the first five years, the panels will mean over $10 million in savings for the district, officials said.

"The cost savings to the general fund means not cutting back programs because we’re socially and environmentally aware,” she said.

The aggressive schedule calls for construction to begin at some schools as early as next summer going live Jan. 1, 2011. Construction at Capuchino would start the latest, in 2011, due to its current construction schedule.

Not all districts can front the building cost, bringing in options of third-party financing called power purchase agreements. This was the proposal put before the San Carlos Elementary School District in December, but officials had questions which were not yet answered. Superintendent Craig Baker explained while the idea is important, the district is currently focused on its budget. Looking ahead, Baker is interested in studying partnerships with the city or other school districts to expand the ability to own panels.

Last week, the San Bruno Park Elementary School District Board of Trustees was introduced to the idea of solar panels during a discussion about capital needs. It was simply an introduction to the idea, but the district could add it a to-do list of future projects.

The South San Francisco Unified School District meets 7 p.m. Thursday, April 22 at the South San Francisco High School library, 400 B St.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.