SANDY SPRING, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sandy Spring Friends School (SSFS), a pre-K through 12 coed college preparatory Quaker school in Montgomery County, has announced plans to install more than 2,000 solar panels on the school’s 140-acre campus.
The 473.7 kW solar photovoltaic system will be ground-mounted and grid tied with an estimated output of 600,790 kWh. The estimated carbon offset of a system this size is 414 metric tons which is equal to almost 82 passenger vehicles per year and 963 barrels of oil consumed.
The project, expected to begin in June, is being developed by the Pennsylvania energy solutions provider, UGI Performance Solutions. Maryland-based Standard Solar, Inc, a leader in the development and installation of solar electric systems for commercial, government and residential customers, will design and install the project. The system will be owned by UGI Energy Services, with whom the school has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA). The PPA will enable the school to use the electricity generated by the system for a fixed cost, lowering their utility bills.
“The SSFS community is delighted to work with Standard Solar and UGI to install one of the largest solar projects in Montgomery County on our beautiful 140 acre campus,” said Tom Gibian, Head of School. “Solar power, in its simplicity and efficiency, and as a substitute to purchasing electricity generated from the burning conventional fossil fuels, will become part of our curriculum (science, technology and entrepreneurism), will save us money and reflects our intention to practice good stewardship of our natural resources.”
The solar installation is the latest step in the school’s commitment to sustainability. As a Friends school that emphasizes the Quaker values of service, the peaceful resolution of conflict, integrity, simplicity, equality, and stewardship of the environment, SSFS has long demonstrated its commitment to sustainability in many areas of its operation, from education and curriculum planning to land use, recycling and composting programs. When it comes to environmental sustainability, SSFS’s longstanding commitment shines particularly bright.
Projects such as the new community garden on campus and the solar panels will provide both food and clean, renewable power to the school, as well as learning opportunities for the students and community.
“Solar installations are a great fit for educational institutions, providing significant economic and environmental benefits as well as offering educational opportunities for the students,” Scott Wiater, president, Standard Solar. “This kind of project can influence future leaders while helping the Sandy Spring community and its students take another step forward in their environmental stewardship.”
About Sandy Spring Friends School
Sandy Spring Friends School offers a coeducational pre-kindergarten through grade 12 college preparatory curriculum, based on Quaker values and taught by a dynamic faculty that fosters a stimulating and diverse environment to promote leadership, social awareness, intellectual and spiritual growth. An optional five- and seven- day boarding program is offered in grades 9 through 12. Bus transportation and extended day programs are available as well. For further information, please contact Sarah Margolis at 301-529-3613 or 301-774-7455, ext.353, or e-mail at sarah.margolis@ssfs.org. Or visit the website at www.ssfs.org.
About UGI Performance Solutions
UGI Performance Solutions (UGIPS) is a vertically integrated service network of wholly-owned subsidiaries of UGI. The venture incorporates exceptional design and engineering capability, world-class execution resources, and the innovation and ingenuity of hundreds of dedicated professionals. With the capability to design, build, own, operate, and maintain energy and efficiency assets, UGI Performance Solutions provides clean, innovative, and effective solutions and technologies that deliver improved performance, a healthier environment, and significant impact to its client’s bottom line. For more information, visit www.ugiperformance.com or call Hannah Mein at (215) 716-7512.
About Standard Solar
Standard Solar, Inc. is a leader in the full-service development, construction, integration, financing and installation of solar electric systems. Dedicated to making solar solutions more accessible to consumers, businesses, institutions and governments, the company is leading the way to energy independence. Committed to offering responsible and energy cost-saving solar solutions that conform to the highest standards, Standard Solar is one of the most trusted and respected solar companies. Since 2004, Standard Solar has been the partner of choice to make solar energy financially accessible, helping customers through financing options, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and navigating expanded federal and state and local tax credits. The company’s Standard Energy Solutions (SES) division provides energy auditing and retrofitting services for energy improvement projects. Named one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in America in 2010 and 2011 by Inc. magazine, Standard Solar is headquartered in Rockville, MD. For more information, please visit http://www.standardsolar.com/.