The town's school district is partnering with engineering firm Cupertino Electric, Inc. in the design and development of the solar installation. In total, just over 1 megawatt of solar energy capacity will be installed - 675 kilowatts at the Casa Grande High School and 385 kilowatts at the Petaluma High School.
The Petaluma High School District, CEI vice president John Curcio said, will "generate enough solar energy over a 20-year period to offset the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 4,302 passenger vehicles.
"The district's students will also benefit from the educational opportunities associated with the solar project," he added.
Solar power can help schools and nonprofit organizations save money on energy and green their operations. But because nonprofits don't pay federal tax, they're generally ineligible for federal solar incentives. By joining forces with for-profit engineering companies or solar installers, tax-exempt organizations can enjoy federal grants and subsidies - just what Petaluma's school district is doing.
