Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) and SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWR) on April 14 announced plans for a 1.1-MW solar carport installation at Valhalla High School in El Cajon, Calif.
GUHSD will buy power at a competitive rate under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with SunPower. SunPower estimates that 78.5% of the school’s energy will be offset as a result of the agreement, saving $6.3 million in electricity costs over the next 20 years. The system to be constructed at Valhalla High School is expected to be operational by the end of this year.
Said GUHSD Deputy Superintendent Scott Patterson: “SunPower’s experience working with school districts, as well as the long-term performance of its technology were the primary reasons they were selected for this project.”
“SunPower’s power purchase agreements give districts the ability to enhance their operational budgets by providing competitive electricity rates and a hedge against potential utility rate increases, with no upfront capital investment,” said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units.
At 23 school districts across California, SunPower has installed solar power systems totaling more than 90 MW.
The Grossmont district covers a 465-square-mile area in eastern San Diego County.
