ForeFront Power and Los Altos SD partner to deliver solar across nine schools to save millions
ForeFront Power and Los Altos School District (LASD) in California announce the development of 1.4 megawatts (MW) of solar canopy systems across nine schools. The solar canopy systems will deliver significant energy cost savings, promote sustainability, and provide shade to the parking lots and outdoor school areas.
LASD selected ForeFront Power through a competitive process to provide the turn-key solar power systems. The solar portfolio is expected to save the District over $175,000 annually and up to $2.7 million within the first ten years of operation.
“LASD is excited to partner with ForeFront Power to complete these projects to reduce rising electricity costs,” said LASD Chief Business Official Randy Kenyon. “The ForeFront Power team emerged as a leader in our process due to their team’s extensive track record, sound execution strategy, and professionalism.”
LASD will receive solar energy at no upfront cost, and without the use of Measure N bond funds. The project is instead financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ForeFront Power. Through this agreement ForeFront is responsible for all project financing, engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance. ForeFront Power, backed by the security and stability of its parent company, Mitsui & Co., Ltd, brings exceptional value and experience to the solar project partnership.
ForeFront Power continues to coordinate the development of these projects with local school staff, parents, and District administrators to design solar arrays that work in harmony with school campus needs. In conjunction with the solar project development, LASD is launching a sustainability initiative with GreenTown Los Altos to shift drivers to bikers and walkers for more long-term sustainable transport in the District. Each of the nine schools will also receive free solar energy lesson plans and curricula through ForeFront Power’s exclusive partnership with Schools Power.
“Our team at ForeFront Power is excited to work with Los Altos in providing energy savings, shade to the parking areas, and STEM education resources,” stated Chief Development Officer, Sam Youneszadeh. “What is truly great about this particular project is that Los Altos is going beyond typical solar adoption to integrate their decision with the community through their initiative with GreenTown.”
These nine solar projects are expected to offset the equivalent of 1,754 tons of carbon dioxide avoidance or 336 cars taken off the road for the first year of production – per the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.
For more information about ForeFront Power and solar energy for schools, visit k12.forefrontpower.com.
About Los Altos School District
Los Altos School District operates seven elementary and two junior high schools and is a top-rated school district in the State of California. LASD serves more than 4,500 K-8 students from portions of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, and Palo Alto. All nine schools in LASD have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools and/or National Blue Ribbon Schools. LASD is nationally recognized as a leader in educational innovation and for its many awards. Read more about LASD programs at iLearn Blogspot and follow on Twitter @lasdk8.
About ForeFront Power
The ForeFront Power team has more than a decade of renewable industry experience, serving business, public sector, and wholesale power customers around the world. Our team has developed over 800 MW of capacity across more than 1,000 projects, targeted on assisting public sector agencies and C&I firms to deliver the most impactful behind-the-meter, off-site, and wholesale solutions. ForeFront Power is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., a global energy infrastructure and investment leader.
Matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to various risks and uncertainties.
