California Governor Jerry Brown Visits Marshall Elementary School in Fowler to Sign Bill to Restore

[NYC_SKP]

Source: PRN Newswire

Solar Installation in Fowler Unified School District Projected to Save Community $439,000 in First Year

FOWLER, Calif., Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Jerry Brown and representatives from TerraVerde Renewable Partners (TVRP) visited Marshall Elementary School in Fowler, California on Thursday, September 22, 2011, where the Governor signed SB 585 (Kehoe), legislation that restored funding for the California Solar Initiative Rebate Program, including solar rebates for projects in California School Districts.

TerraVerde Renewable Partners, a leader in overseeing solar projects for school districts, as well as public agencies and non-profits throughout California, worked closely with the Fowler Unified School District to develop a solar installation proposal that is projected to save the District $439,000 in total electricity costs in the first year. These savings will go directly into the District's general fund and are expected to grow over the years as utility rates increase. Over a five year period, savings are estimated to be $2,321,000 and more than $13 million over 25 years. Installation of the solar panels in the area is expected to begin in 2012.

Fowler Unified School District, like many other school districts, local public agencies and non-profit organizations in the state, relies on rebates offered under the California Solar Initiative to finance and develop their solar projects. In December 2010, PG&E announced that they had run out of funding for these rebates. Fowler USD joined with TerraVerde Renewable Partners, and a number of other school districts in the Central Valley, members of the solar industry and education communities, to support legislation that would restore funding for these rebates.

(more at link)

Read more: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california-governor-jerry-brown-visits-marshall-elementary-school-in-fowler-to-sign-bill-to-restore-funding-for-states-solar-initiative-rebate-program-130378573.html

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This is a significant development, and very unlikely given the economic hardships faced in California.

Honored to attend this event, I was surprised that the governor used the ribbon-cutting event to sign three significant bills, including this one.

SB 585 restores funding to the California Solar Initiative, which in my service area ran out of funds on Christmas Eve last year (for non-residential projects).

His signature means a refund of $485,000 to one particular school project I've been supporting.

Now the district will enjoy a 500 kW shaded parking structure (cash purchase including O & M) that will be revenue positive from day one.

It's a sunny day in California!

:bounce:

[Left Coast2020]

1. Good News For The Central Valley.

THe school district in this part of the state truly need this kind of financial support--from a good source. The Sun. I also hope they can institute this kind of support to schools that are in communities with low tax bases. It would be an absolute benefit for our public schools. Happy to see it.

:bounce:

[No Elephants]

2. Cool Er, I mean, that's hot.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

3. We need to lead the way to the future, here in CA --

This is another step on that road. :applause:

[lunatica]

4. Jerry Brown is the best