The Riverdale Joint Unified School District (RJUSD) sought to use solar power to achieve greater energy independence while creating grid-neutral, environmentally sustainable schools. After a competitive bidding process, the District selected SPG Solar and Honeywell, a global energy services leader, to develop solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.

Honeywell partnered with SPG Solar, Inc. to install the solar projects. SPG Solar designed and constructed two SunSeeker® single-axis tracking systems using 3,178 Sharp panels, one Xantrex inverter and two SatCon Power inverters for a combined system size of over 685 kW DC. The panels are expected to generate 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. And the energy will be used to power Fipps Primary School, Riverdale High School, Riverdale Alternative Education Center and the District’s maintenance office.

Honeywell developed the project under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the (RJUSD). Under the agreement, Honeywell will operate and maintain the solar power systems, and sell the electricity they produce to the District for the next 20 years. Honeywell works with schools to identify the right renewable technology to meet their energy and budget requirements. In addition to helping RJUSD with rising costs, the solar arrays will provide students a solid educational tool for years to come.

• The solar PV systems are projected to save the District more than $1 million over the next 20 years
• They are expected to cover more than 60% of the District’s total electricity load
• The District is protected from cost increases and receives clean renewable power at fixed rates
• The SunSeeker tracker system has 20% more output capacity than fixed-tilt systems
• There were no up-front fees or capital required by the District for the project

The arrays are also expected to cut carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1.1 million pounds each year, which is equivalent to removing 120 cars from the road or planting 150 acres of trees.