Chevron Energy Solutions and San Dieguito Union High School District Announce Completion of 2MW Solar Project

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chevron Energy Solutions, a unit of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), and San Dieguito Union High School District announced today the completion of a 2MW solar project, which is expected to save the district more than $10 million in energy savings over the life of the project. The solar project is producing approximately 70 percent of the electricity required at Canyon Crest Academy and La Costa Canyon High School. By reducing its purchase of utility power, the district is reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 2,200 metric tons, equivalent to removing more than 400 cars from the road.

"Our mission is to provide a world class education for all students through quality programs that engage students and inspire achievement," said Ken Noah, superintendent of San Dieguito Union High School District. "The savings from this solar project will help us meet our goals."

Chevron Energy Solutions designed, built, operates, maintains, measures and guarantees the solar system's performance for the district. The company is one of the largest installers of solar power in the U.S. education market and has developed hundreds of projects that improve energy efficiency and provide renewable power for education, government and business facilities.  

"We are proud to help the San Dieguito Union High School District generate cost savings by using solar power," said Jim Davis, president of Chevron Energy Solutions. "In addition to cost savings, the project also benefits the environment by using clean, renewable power."

The cost of the project was offset by more than $4.7 million obtained as a rebate from the California Solar Initiative and other funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The California Center for Sustainable Energy assisted the San Dieguito Union High School District in pursuing this solar project and an overall energy strategy.

"This project is a terrific example of how solar panels can be integrated in parking lots with the installation supplying both electrical power for the school and shading to protect the students' cars from the effects of weathering and sunlight," said Irene Stillings, executive director of the California Center for Sustainable Energy. "The San Dieguito Union High School District and Chevron Energy Solutions have shown how creative ideas for solar projects can be combined to make the most of available funding while setting a good example for students at the school, who will eventually be making their own energy decisions."

A ribbon cutting event to celebrate the completion of this project is being held today at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad. Students, district representatives, government and business officials are expected to attend the event, which will include the presentation of a California Solar Initiative rebate check to the San Dieguito Union High School District from the California Center for Sustainable Energy.

About Chevron Energy Solutions

Chevron Energy Solutions develops and builds sustainable energy projects that increase energy efficiency and renewable power, reduce energy costs, and ensure reliable, high-quality energy for government, education and business facilities. Its parent, Chevron Corporation, is investing across the energy spectrum to develop energy sources for future generations by expanding the capabilities of alternative and renewable energy technologies. Chevron has spent approximately $4.4 billion on renewable energy and efficiency since 2002, and expects to spend $2.2 billion in this area between 2011 and 2013.

About San Dieguito Union High School District

The award-winning San Dieguito Union High School District is one of the nation's finest districts, offering a wealth of academic and extracurricular opportunities in which its students can engage and excel. The SDUHSD educates students from the coastal North San Diego County communities of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, Leucadia, and Olivenhain in the City of Encinitas; the cities of Del Mar and Solana Beach; the community of La Costa in the City of Carlsbad; the community of Carmel Valley in the City of San Diego; and the communities of Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch.

SOURCE Chevron Energy Solutions