The Colorado Springs School Switches To Solar
The Colorado Springs School has purchased 115 kW of solar energy through the SunShare leasing program, recently constructed at Venetucci Farm. This project provides a quarter of CSS’s electrical energy needs. It also represents one of the largest commitments to solar energy among Colorado schools.
“The combination of rebates, low panel costs, and efficiencies of scale make this a timely and responsible financial decision,” states Head of School, Kevin Reel. “It demonstrates the school’s commitment to making innovative decisions with the well-being of the community and future generations in mind.”
The contribution of solar energy at CSS is further maximized by the fact that the school has recently undergone a careful energy-saving program as part of the “Green Cup Challenge” sponsored by the Green Schools Alliance, a nation-wide collaboration among independent schools to save energy.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Colorado Springs School. The board, faculty, and students have shown time and time again their dedication to the future and excitement for cutting-edge educational opportunities,” said SunShare CEO and founder, David Amster-Olszewski. After CSS bought the final solar panels in the Venetucci Farm solar garden, SunShare is moving forward with development of its second solar garden in Colorado Springs, expected to be operational this spring.
The federal government supplies a 30% rebate on production costs for renewable energy systems, such as the community solar garden at Venetucci Farm. Up to December 20, 2011, Colorado Springs Utilities also provided a 30% rebate on renewable energy costs.
Colorado House Bill 10-1342 created the possibility for renewable energy to be produced in one location and credited to another location. Because this mechanism is analogous to raising food in a community garden, the bill is called the “Community Solar Gardens Act.”
