Onyx Renewable Partners L.P. (“Onyx”) and the Newman- Crows Landing Unified School District are set to begin installation of solar photovoltaic carport structures. Onyx will provide over 1 MW of electricity to four of the district’s schools – Hurd Barrington Elementary, Orestimba High, YOLO Middle and Von Renner Elementary School – along with vehicle charging stations, capable of charging up to 24 cars simultaneously.
The solar arrays, initially projected to save $4 million over 20 years, are now expected to save the district an estimated $6 million in energy costs throughout the next twenty years, according to Matt Vargas, the district’s director of operations and maintenance. Construction is expected to begin on or around February 20, 2017 and be completed by June 23, 2017. The Power Purchase Agreement is over a twenty-year period with Newman- Crows Landing having the option, at the end of the term, to renew the agreement, purchase the system, or have Onyx remove the system from the properties.
Superintendent Randy Fillpot says, “Our District is looking forward to the partnership with Onyx and saving on our future electric bills.” The savings of which will, of course, allow for more of the school’s budget to be devoted to teaching the students rather than keeping the lights on.
Onyx has been working diligently to make sure the district is able to reach their future energy goals. “We are proud to assist the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District in their pursuit of a more sustainable energy future,” says Matt Rosenblum, CEO of Onyx.