At the June 24, 2014 board meeting, the Board directed staff to return to the September 9th board meeting with an analysis of the proposed Solar Master Plan created by Kyoto USA at the request of Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA).
The proposed Solar Master Plan (SMP) calls for the installation of solar panels on both rooftops and walkway and parking canopies for an estimated cost of $15,245,026. The price of the installation would be recouped by the savings in AUSD’s electricity bills over approximately 19-20 years.
The following sites were used as potential sites for a solar solution in the SMP:
- Elementary Schools: Bay Farm, Earhart, Edison, Franklin, Haight, Lum, Maya Lin, Otis, Paden, Ruby Bridges
- Middle Schools: Lincoln and Wood
- High Schools : Alameda and Encinal
- Charter School: Academy of Alameda (Chipman)
Summary
The cost of the full solar installation is $15,245,026 to reach 100% generation to cover the current electricity consumed. There is an unknown added cost of other analyses needed and possible structural work. Funding for the project would come from a possible bond, or a blended model of a bond and other types of source funding, such as California Energy Commission loans and Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB). Any facilities used for solar panels will require a certain amount of structural analysis with a cost unknown. Prop 39 funds are focused towards energy efficiency.
Staff Recommendation
The proposed SMP is a good first step in the development of a long-term solution. Based on the California Energy Commission philosophy, energy efficiency should be a priority above energy generation. The District has already taken steps towards energy conservation and the reduction of consumption rates while working with AMP and the Green Team. Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) has new sources of funding and programs that could potentially aid AUSD in the development of a more wide-scale program concentrating on efficient and conservation.
AUSD Staff requests time to create a more comprehensive energy program and return at a later board meeting for review and adoption.