March 27, 2009 (San Diego, Calif.) -- Point Loma Nazarene University was awarded with a San Diego Excellence In Energy (SANDEE) Award on March 26, 2009 for special achievement in energy by a nonprofit. PLNU was nominated by SPG Solar, Inc. for the university’s solar power system and various other sustainability measures. California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) announced the winners on at the Omni Hotel in San Diego.
PLNU’s solar panels were installed by SPG Solar and are owned by Solar Power Partners (SPP). SPG installed photovoltaic systems on four campus buildings totaling 357 kilowatt (kW) DC (300kW AC). SPP owns, operates, and maintains the system. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), PLNU buys the green power generated by the system from SPP at a fixed rate for the next 20 years. The PPA allowed PLNU to go solar with no initial outlay of capital.
PLNU was the first San Diego university to install a large-scale PV system. According to SPG, the system is one of California’s largest PV installations for a private university. The system provides approximately 80 percent of peak energy for four prominent facilities, including a residence hall and the gymnasium. The environmental benefits of the solar system, combined with other green initiatives PLNU has enacted, significantly reduce the university’s carbon footprint. In total, more than 50 percent of each buildings’ annual electricity costs will be offset by clean, solar power.
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About Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University is a selective liberal arts university located in San Diego, California and sits on a 90 acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to more than 50 undergraduate areas of study, PLNU offers graduate program regional centers in Bakersfield, Arcadia, Mission Valley (San Diego) and the Inland Empire. Founded in 1902, PLNU serves approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students.
PLNU Environmental Awards and Recognitions:
2009 SANDEE Award for Special Achievement in Energy by a Nonprofit
2008 Orchid Award for Sustainable Design
2008 Environmental Services Department Recycler of the Year Award
2006 RecycleMania Waste Minimization Award
2006 WRAP Waste Reduction and Recycling Award
2005 WRAP Waste Reduction and Recycling Award
2005 Environmental Services Department Waste Reduction and Recycling Award
2004 WRAP Waste Reduction and Recycling Award
2004 Environmental Services Department Recycler of the Year Award
About SPG Solar, Inc.
SPG Solar, Inc. is a proven leader in the design and installation of photovoltaic power systems. With over 1,200 grid-connected PV systems in service throughout the Western United States and a senior staff with decades of experience in electrical engineering, construction and project development, SPG Solar provides our customers with the very best in solar technology and professional design-build services. SPG Solar delivers innovative and dependable solar systems with the highest quality of workmanship from the initial customer consultation to the final system commissioning and post installation analysis. For more information, please visit: www.spgsolar.com.
About Solar Power Partners (SPP)
Solar Power Partners, Inc. (SPP) is a California-based renewable energy company that is leading the way in streamlining the adoption of clean solar energy by businesses, institutions and municipalities throughout the United States. Combining the financing strength of solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the expertise and best practices of top solar and building industry professionals, SPP gives building owners a clear path to achieving energy independence with lower electrical costs at predictable rates and without the risks or costs of owning and maintaining solar facilities. For more information visit www.solarpowerpartners.com.
About The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE)
The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that helps residents, businesses and public agencies save energy, reduce grid demand and generate their own power through a variety of rebate, technical assistance and education programs. CCSE also provides the community with objective information, research, analysis and long-term planning on energy issues and technologies. For more information, visit www.energycenter.org or call toll-free 1-866-SDENERGY. We are promoting change for a clean energy future.