Lodi Unified School District Breaks Ground on Two Megawatt Solar PV System Spanning Four Sites

LODI, Calif.--()--Lodi Unified School District, in cooperation with Cupertino Electric, Inc.’s (CEI) Energy Alternatives Division (www.cei.com/energy), today announced that it has begun the construction phase of a two (2) Megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system located in Lodi, Calif. The two (2) MW Cupertino Electric-designed solar system will be comprised of four smaller systems mounted on parking lot canopies throughout the district.

“We are excited to begin construction on the multi-campus solar system that will decrease energy costs and, subsequently, increase student-related spending,” said Art Hand, assistant superintendent of facilities and planning for Lodi Unified School District. “We plan to positively impact the environment, as well as our students who will gain a real-world opportunity to learn about green jobs and technologies.”

About the Lodi Unified School District Solar System

The 2.089 MW solar photovoltaic system for the district will be comprised of four smaller, parking lot canopy-based systems. A 947 kilowatt system will be installed at Ronald E. McNair High School, a 769 kilowatt system will be installed at Bear Creek High School, a 197 kilowatt system will be installed at Christa McAuliffe Middle School and a smaller 174 kilowatt system will be installed at the district office.

Construction of the entire solar system will begin in earnest in March 2011 during a planned holiday shut-down to minimize disruption to students and faculty. Parking at the school sites will be impacted during construction while the construction area is sectioned off to ensure the safety and security of students and faculty. Construction is expected to be complete by late summer 2011.

About the Lodi Unified School District

The Lodi Unified School District encompasses 350 square miles and serves the cities of Lodi, North Stockton, and the communities of Acampo, Clements, Lockeford, Victor, and Woodbridge in the Central Valley of Northern California. Over the last decade, the district has obtained more than $250 million in state bond funds for the construction and renovation of school facilities throughout the district. For more information, visit: http://www.lodiusd.net/.

About Cupertino Electric, Inc.

Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. and has provided expert engineering and construction services for a constantly evolving world for more than 57 years. Its Energy Alternatives Division analyzes, engineers, procures, finances, constructs, maintains and operates solar and alternative energy solutions. For more information, visit www.cei.com.

Contacts

Cupertino Electric, Inc.
Autumn Casadonte, 408-808-8034 (Press)
Autumn_Casadonte@cei.com
or
Lodi Unified School District
Mitch Slater, 209-331-7181 (Press)
mslater@lodiusd.net

Release Summary

Cupertino Electric Breaks Ground on District-Wide 2-MW Solar System for Lodi School District.

Contacts

Cupertino Electric, Inc.
Autumn Casadonte, 408-808-8034 (Press)
Autumn_Casadonte@cei.com
or
Lodi Unified School District
Mitch Slater, 209-331-7181 (Press)
mslater@lodiusd.net