LPEA completes funding for solar PV at Escalante Middle School

 Project installed by Four Corners Solar, now providing electricity for Greenhouse

 DURANGO, Colo. – In an effort to support renewable power generation in its service territory (La Plata and Archuleta counties), as well as further solar photovoltaic (PV) education, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) has teamed up with Four Corners Solar, BP and Escalante Middle School (School District 9-R) to install a 1.8 kilowatt solar PV system at Escalante. The system is now generating electricity for the middle school’s Greenhouse.

Sharon Orr, the Escalante teacher who oversees the Greenhouse project, initiated the effort with a grant request to BP to help cover the nearly $20,000 price tag. BP granted $7,293, and La Plata Electric funded the balance of $12,445 to cover design work, equipment and installation by Four Corners Solar.

LPEA’s funds were generated by the co-op’s Green Power customers – those members who voluntarily opt to purchase 100 kWh blocks of Green Power (electricity generated from a renewable resource) at an $0.80 per block premium. Of that premium, $0.40 funds the actual generation and $0.40 is available for local renewable generation projects and rebates.

“We initiated this effort of funding solar panel installation at middle schools in our service territory last year with a similar system at Bayfield Middle School,” said Mark Schwantes, LPEA manager of corporate services, noting the co-op is responding to member requests to further local renewable efforts. “As funding becomes available through our members’ purchase of Green Power, we will continue the program and look forward to installing systems at Ignacio and Pagosa middle schools, as well as Miller in Durango.”

 Once all middle schools in LPEA’s service territory have PV panels, LPEA hopes to fund panels at the libraries in Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs and Ignacio to generate some electricity, but more importantly, allow the public to understand how solar PV actually works and to promote additional renewable energy projects.

The system at Escalante Middle School is expected to generate approximately 3,200 kilowatt hours annually, for a cost savings to the school of $290 per year. Further, the system will, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s calculations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, eliminating approximately 55 tons of CO₂ over 20 years.

The Escalante system is also “net-metered,” meaning it is interconnected to LPEA’s electrical system. Grid-tied systems automatically integrate solar power with electricity coming from the “grid,” eliminating the expense and maintenance of batteries for electricity storage.

“When the sun is shining and the system is generating power, any electricity that is not immediately used in the Greenhouse is fed back on to LPEA’s system,” said Schwantes, explaining that the electric meter then “spins backwards.” “We figuratively can ‘store’ or ‘bank’ the generated power for the school for use at a later time. It’s not the same electron, but we credit the school for its net-metered contributions.”

LPEA customers who are net-metered and generate more electricity than they use annually receive payment from LPEA at the end of the year at a per kWh rate of $0.0627. Renewable generation systems that are net-metered are not limited to solar PV, but can include wind and small hydro.

LPEA will maintain and retain ownership of the Escalante system, and all renewable energy credits (RECs) will be assigned to the cooperative, netting an annual REC payment to Escalante of approximately $425.

According to Michael Brennan, School District 9-R director of facilities, “Durango School District 9-R is interested in developing a process that would add PV systems to other schools and (we) consider the Escalante system a pilot project from which we can develop a strong working relationship with LPEA.”

LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its nearly 30,000 members with more than 40,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible. For additional information, contact LPEA at 970.247.5786 or visit www.lpea.coop.

<< Go Back