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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the scope of the solar project the District is undertaking?
The William S. Hart Union School District (WSHUSD) has entered into a 20 year Power Purchase Agreement with PsomasFMG, LLC to buy electricity at a fixed rate at 10 District sites. This 7.3 Megawatt (MW) solar project is estimated to save WSHUSD approximately $18-20 million over the 20 year contract. In the first year alone, the District estimates a 10% reduction in energy costs.
What is the cost to the District?
The District has no upfront cost or capital investment for the solar system; they are only obligated to purchase the power produced from the solar systems. Third party ownership of the system, by an outside investor, allows the District to realize immediate savings and budget more effectively because of predictable future energy costs.
What is the project?
Solar panels will be installed on nine campuses predominately in parking lots but also on open land on 4 schools (see examples below). Solar shade structures in parking lots will provide approximately 2,300 shaded parking spots for faculty and students. Moreover, the community will benefit from a reduction of more than 130,000 tons of carbon emissions over those 20 years which is equivalent to a reduction in automobile driving of over 300 million miles.
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| Example of Solar Array over Parking |
Example of Elevated Solar Arrays |
Example of Ground Mounted Solar Arrays |
Why did the District choose to place the panels on arrays rather than rooftops?
Initially, rooftops were evaluated for this District, however it was determined they were not viable for a number of reasons. Fire code and roof obstructions reduced the system size substantially, and structural requirements prevent some roofs from supporting solar systems. Solar arrays over parking have added benefits of shade and improved lighting at night.
What percentage of the District's anticipated electric consumption will be provided by the solar systems?
The systems are designed to provide solar power for 75-85% of the historical consumption of the sites where they are built. This allows for maximum savings for the District by offsetting the highest Southern California Edison (SCE) rates and also providing a cushion for potential reductions in use.
What is the estimated timeline?
Design, engineering and surveying is complete, with permits received for 8 of the sites. District wide construction will be taking place between Fall 2011 and Spring 2012, and individual schools can expect a construction duration of 10 - 14 weeks. The project is estimated to be substantially completed by March 2012 and all systems are expected to be operational that spring.
How does solar energy work?
During the day, sunlight hits photovoltaic (PV) panels and is converted into electricity for the District to use at each campus. When the system produces more power during sun light hours than is needed, the utility meter literally spins backwards, accumulating credits with Southern California Edison (SCE). Net metering allows excess generation in any given month to be carried over to the next billing month, typically for up to one year.
Will there be an interruption of power at the high schools or neighborhood?
No. The schools will remain on the SCE power grid and will be receiving a portion of their electricity from SCE at reduced rates due to the solar installation and the time of use at each campus. There is not any anticipated interruption or impact on neighbor power usage.
What type of disruptions will there be to the neighborhood?
We expect minimal disruptions to the community. Construction, for the most part, will be done at times least intrusive to the schools and neighborhoods and with minimal traffic and sound pollution. There will be a traffic flow plan for each campus and frequent communications about changes to normal flow patterns.
Are there any safety concerns for the campuses or the community?
All solar structures have been approved by the Division of State Architects (DSA) which is required for all construction on school campuses in the state of California. DSA code requirements for schools are more stringent than residential and commercial buildings. All electrical components conform to DSA, state and local electrical codes and standards. The structures are heavy structural steel firmly grounded in cement. Building codes and OSHA standards will be strictly enforced for the safety of students, staff and the surrounding community. To further ensure security and safety, heavy construction will be behind construction barricades. During non-construction hours, equipment and building supplies will be stored behind locked fencing and will be the responsibility of the construction company.
Why is the lighting in the parking lots being changed?
Pole lighting will be replaced by state-of-the-art cost-effective lighting under the structures. Lighting under the solar structures will significantly reduce light pollution within the community and provide better-lit parking lots for increased safety and security.
How will parking be affected?
Construction will be confined to a portion of each parking lot at any given time. The use of temporary parking lots will be determined on a school by school basis. Minimal, if any change in the traffic flow of parking lots is projected. Solar structures will conform to the current parking lot designs for most schools. In the case of Canyon and Saugus, the parking lots are being re-striped as a separate school modernization project to increase parking for the new performing arts centers. Parents, students and staff are encouraged to be attentive to changes in traffic and parking patterns during construction for everyone's safety.
Will any trees need to be removed?
Some trees will be removed to accommodate the solar project. To mitigate, PsomasFMG is donating $50,000 to the District for use to replace trees at the District's discretion of size, species, and location. In addition, the reduction of greenhouse gases provided by solar will be a significant benefit to the community and environment. The reduction of greenhouse gases from this solar project is the equivalent of planting 1,050 acres of trees*.
What can the community expect during and after the completion of the solar project?
This extensive project involves heavy construction that will be done relatively quickly, and every effort will be made to maximize the safety and security of students, staff and the surrounding community. The community's patience and tolerance will be rewarded. At this time of budget tightening statewide, WSHUSD will save millions of dollars in electricity costs that can be put into essential school services.
It is important to PsomasFMG that the District and the larger community are pleased with the final product enjoy seeing the benefits of solar power realized in their schools and neighborhoods.
How are the systems being maintained, repaired and cleaned?
The cost of equipment maintenance and repair, including module cleaning, is included in the cost of the energy to the District. In addition to this, there is a 25-year manufacturer's warranty on the panels and a 20-year warranty on inverters. PsomasFMG monitors the systems on 15 minute increments to ensure they are performing and operational at all times. A service and maintenance team is deployed to fix any deficiencies and also perform cleaning and preventative maintenance to our system is producing the most power possible.
What are PsomasFMG's qualifications?
PsomasFMG recently completed the largest operational school solar system in the country, a 9.6 MW system on 10 campuses in the Antelope Valley Unified School District. We are also developing and building projects for the County of Orange and other multi-campus school districts in Southern California, including Palmdale, Wilsona, and Hughes Elizabeth Lakes.
Our affiliate company, Psomas, brings 65 years of engineering excellence to projects, having completed over 60,000 contracts for public agencies and assisting several communities with their overall power needs. With a local office in Santa Clarita, the team is particularly vested in this projects positive impact on their community. In 2008, the principals of First Management Group (the FMG of PsomasFMG), helped launch Verengo Solar, which is today the largest and fastest growing residential solar developer in Southern California. This experience in the solar industry combined with the seasoned local engineering acumen of Psomas creates a unique alliance of excellence.
| SCHOOL |
PLANNED INSTALLATION SCHEDULE |
SOLAR LAYOUT SITE PLAN |
| Rio Norte Junior High |
November 21, 2011
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Click here 
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| Valencia High |
December 21, 2011
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Click here |
| Rancho Pico Junior High |
November 21, 2011
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Click here |
| West Ranch High |
February 16, 2012
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Coming soon |
| La Mesa Junior |
November 21, 2011
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Click here |
| Golden Valley High |
February 16, 2012
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Coming soon |
| Sierra Vista Junior High |
February 16, 2012
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Coming soon |
| Canyon High |
December 21, 2011
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Click here |
| Saugus High |
December 21, 2011
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Click here |
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