The systems are projected to generate an estimated 1.4 million kWh of clean energy in its first full year of operation, representing 70% of each site’s individual energy needs.
The systems are hosted by Diocese on five parish/school combinations, including Holy Spirit, Holy Family, Saint Christopher, Queen of Apostles, Saint Lucy as well as Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
As part of the Catholic Green Initiative of Santa Clara county, Diocese entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with PES to host the solar installations requiring no capital outlay from Diocese or its parishes. Under the PPA, Diocese will purchase solar energy produced by each installation at a predetermined fixed rate. All operations of the system will be assumed by PES.
Mike Maley, president of PES, said: “Renewable energy, decreased carbon footprint and sustainability are gaining greater acceptance in today’s society and the solar installation in the Diocese showcases these benefits. Our commitment to provide comprehensive PPA financing provides various institutions, corporations and municipalities access to renewable energy solutions without any capital outlay.”
PES combined conventional financing with federal energy tax incentives to fund each installation. As the owner, PES retains the renewable energy certificates and environmental attributes generated by the system’s actual kilowatt hour output.
The combined systems, consisting of more than 5,000 solar panels that occupy 70,000sqft of rooftop space, will eliminate approximately 21,000 tons of carbon dioxide throughout its operating lifespan.
PES is a national PPA provider/financier of solar powered renewable energy systems, providing clean energy power to industrial, commercial and municipal enterprises.
