Lodi Unified School District, in cooperation with Cupertino Electric, Inc.’s (CEI) Energy Alternatives Division (www.cei.com/energy), today announced that it has begun the construction phase of a two (2) Megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system located in Lodi, Calif. The two (2) MW Cupertino Electric-designed solar system will be comprised of four smaller systems mounted on parking lot canopies throughout the district.
“We are excited to begin construction on the multi-campus solar system that will decrease energy costs and, subsequently, increase student-related spending,” said Art Hand, assistant superintendent of facilities and planning for Lodi Unified School District. “We plan to positively impact the environment, as well as our students who will gain a real-world opportunity to learn about green jobs and technologies.”
The 2.089 MW solar photovoltaic system for the district will be comprised of four smaller, parking lot canopy-based systems. A 947 kilowatt system will be installed at Ronald E. McNair High School, a 769 kilowatt system will be installed at Bear Creek High School, a 197 kilowatt system will be installed at Christa McAuliffe Middle School and a smaller 174 kilowatt system will be installed at the district office.
Construction of the entire solar system will begin in earnest in March 2011 during a planned holiday shut-down to minimize disruption to students and faculty. Parking at the school sites will be impacted during construction while the construction area is sectioned off to ensure the safety and security of students and faculty. Construction is expected to be complete by late summer 2011.
