CEC is an electrical contractor and is in the business of providing electrical and clean energy solutions to its clients. Seven of their clients are local schools.

The company has invested over $20 million dollars in the AFUHSD on solar panels alone with Millennium being at the highest cost with a whopping $6.4 million on installations. Though the investment may seem steep, this will save schools an estimated $2 million over a twenty year period. There has been no cost to the district.

“These panels are not being donated; the capital costs are paid for by an investor.  The District then pays for the energy that is produced by the panels.  The covered parking is just a bonus,” says Freddie Bracamonte of CEC.

To date over 40 schools in Arizona have installed solar panels on their properties, with CEC installing those at 12 schools. CEC’s customers plan to install at least twelve more projects in the coming years.

“The schools gain a hedge on energy by purchasing solar at a known, fixed price, they help reduce the carbon footprint and set a great example for the future,” says Bracamonte. Students at Millennium are also looking forward to having the project completed before the end of September. 

“I think that the solar panels are a great addition to the campus. I just wish that construction would have been done sooner, there’s just way too much traffic,” senior Alex Heather comments about the on going construction.

Installation was supposed to begin in early spring 2010 Tempe-based Clean Energy is working very quickly to get the job done.

Installation of energy saving solar panels will not only benefit the school in saving energy costs, but might also benefit students by creating shade for their vehicles. Bracamonte also adds, “The project will hopefully teach the kids a little about green energy, provide covered parking for students and staff and savings for the District.” Covered parking is created by these solar panels providing shade not only in the student parking lot but also the faculty parking lot. Additional panels are also being built in the field between the gym and auditorium as well.

Solar energy is a clean, green energy source that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels.  As long as the sun is shining, the solar panels are producing energy.  Solar energy will play an important part in helping reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint.