In the News: Taft UHSD Goes Solar

School District "Going Solar" with Sage

In 2016, the Taft Union High School District in Kern County, California selected Sage Renewables to represent and assist the District with the planning and procurement solar PV for their two high schools. Sage developed specifications for the ground-mount and shade canopy systems, and in early 2017 managed a competitive procurement and vendor selection process. Sage evaluated proposals from seven vendors, and the District selected REC Solar to design and build the planned solar PV system.

The local Taft Midway Driller reports details on the project due to be substantially complete by the end of the year:

The Taft Union High School District is going solar.

A 1.29 megawatt solar power system that is expected to go on line early next year will provide about 75 percent of the district’s electricity and cut energy costs by the same amount after the TUHS Board of Trustees approved a $3.5 million contract for the photovoltaic project.

According to figures presented by both by Ilan Fuss of Sage Renewables, the firm hired by TUHSD to develop the project, and District Business Manager Chuck Hagstrom the energy savings generated by the use of solar power will range from $370,000 to $415,000 per year for the district, meaning the project could pay for itself in 10 years or less.

Sage is an independent energy consulting firm and certified small business enterprise based in San Rafael, CA, that has served more than 55 California school districts. Sage is now providing the District's project with design review, construction oversight, and verification, and will continue to optimize performance and savings once the project is complete.

Taft UHSD joins other Sage clients in Kern County with their commitment to renewable energy, including Kern High School District, Panama-Buena Vista USD, and the City of Shafter. Read the complete article here.