Loudoun County Public Schools and Solar
I sent the email below to the Superintendent of LCPS on August 15. Dr. Williams did respond to me that Mr. Lewis, who oversees all LCPS construction, will get back to me by the end of the month.
Recently, Richmond Public Schools entered into an agreement for 2.6 MW of solar on ten schools. The agreement projects $2 million in savings over 20 years - each year there will be a savings to the City. And, there is no capital cost to the school system as it is being constructed with private sector dollars. Albemarle County and Russell County Schools have also entered into similar agreements. So it leads to the natural question, if these school districts in Virginia can take advantage of solar and save money, why not Loudoun?
As an example, Middlesex County Public Schools have entered into a solar agreement that will save them $2.6 million over the life of the contract: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/11/prweb14912871.htm
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Recently, Richmond Public Schools entered into an agreement for 2.6 MW of solar on ten schools. The agreement projects $2 million in savings over 20 years - each year there will be a savings to the City. And, there is no capital cost to the school system as it is being constructed with private sector dollars. Albemarle County and Russell County Schools have also entered into similar agreements. So it leads to the natural question, if these school districts in Virginia can take advantage of solar and save money, why not Loudoun?
As an example, Middlesex County Public Schools have entered into a solar agreement that will save them $2.6 million over the life of the contract: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/11/prweb14912871.htm
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Dear Dr. Williams,
Been waiting patiently for someone to respond to the inquiry regarding LCPS's consistent failure to answer the question about adding solar to our new schools as they are being built. How can we build a Science and Technology HS without a single solar panel on it? These are the jobs of the future. I would recommend you look at the Discovery Elementary School in Arlington as a shining example of sustainability and educational opportunity.
Now I am well aware of the fact, and LCPS deserves much credit, that 70% of your facilities are Energy Star certified and have saved millions of dollars since 1993. That is fantastic. But, when you have the levelized cost of solar cheaper than traditional electricity and the fact that other school systems in Virginia (including rural Virginia) are installing solar (some at their own cost, some using private capital sources like Secure Futures) it is inconceivable to me that Loudoun County Public Schools is unable to do the same.
Kevin Lewis told me many months ago that his staff have been re-exploring this issue. It would be great to know the progress of that review. Additionally, the Fairfax County General government is preparing an RFP to procure solar for their facilities (the contract will allow other local governments to ride on it); perhaps LCPS would consider it.
I also know that way back when solar was well over $6 per watt that LCPS did place some solar on a school or two. I also know the payback period seems like infinity; but, that is not the case today.
I appreciate all that LCPS does. With that said, there is no reason whatsoever for LCPS to ignore this issue to the detriment of the taxpayer (because, yes, solar saves money).
One last request, I would like to hear from you personally.
Thank you.
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Here is video from the Discovery Elementary School in Arlington. It is demonstrative of using sustainability as a teaching opportunity and to save money.
