For more information:
Melissa Reeves, mdreeves@jeffco.k12.co.us , Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6567
Lynn Setzer, lsetzer@jeffco.k12.co.us , Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6810

SOLAR PANELS SHED LIGHT ON SAVINGS
Jeffco Public Schools leads in academics and technology and is now taking the lead in renewable energy, kilowatts farther.   

A new renewable energy initiative, recently adopted by Jeffco Schools, will allow one, 100-kilowatt solar panel system to be installed at 30 schools.

The panels will generate about half the electricity for an average elementary school, saving an estimated $1 million in energy costs over the next 20 years.   The program has no initial cost because of federal, state and Xcel Energy renewable energy incentives.

An added bonus -- a curriculum that teaches students about the district’s solar panels and other energy-saving measures. 

“To install a panel like this alone, runs about $460,000,” said Jeffco's Chief Operating Officer Bob Smith. “By offering these incentives, it’s the only way organizations like ours can take advantage of renewable energy applications.” 

The district partnered with CEI Roofing Colorado, which will own and maintain the solar panels and sell the electricity the panels produce to the district at a price below its current utility rate. 

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