High Tech High charter school in Point Loma is moving forward with a 70,000-watt solar installation and is projected to save upwards of $1,200,000 over the next 30 years

Over the last decade, solar has been booming. As you drive down the freeway or look around the community, it is hard not to notice all of the new solar installations popping up on both residential and commercial facilities. High Tech High in Point Loma is one of the newest commercial facilities that will be installing 70,000-watts of solar energy in October.

"This will be High Tech High's fifth solar installation," states Paul Dooley, director of facilities at High Tech High, "And will be providing power to eight individual High Tech elementary, middle and high schools."

The charter school decided to go solar after years of paying San Diego Gas and Electric upwards of $12,000 per month for their electricity. With continuous budget cuts and ever increasing utility rates, Dooley knew that clean, renewable, money saving energy was next step. After receiving seven bids, High Tech High narrowed it down to only two companies and finally made the decision to go with Sullivan Solar Power after having a great experience with Sullivan when they installed on the High Tech High facility in Chula Vista.

"High Tech High is leading the charge for solar energy in San Diego charter schools," said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, "On site solar provides new educational opportunities for students to expand knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics."

High Tech High Point Loma has three stories, with a floor dedicated to the elementary, middle and high school. The building has approximately 32,600-square feet of roof space that will be covered with 312 locally manufactured Kyocera solar panels, designed and installed by Sullivan Solar Power. The solar power system is projected to save the school more than $1,200,000 over the next 30 years. For the project, High Tech High is going to receive a $67,605 state rebate.

"The biggest benefit to going solar is the money that we save on electricity will go directly back into the classroom and benefit the students," said Paul Dooley. "Every penny counts and going solar greatly reduces our operating costs."

Students at High Tech High will see the direct benefit that going solar has on them and their school. Over the next 30 years, the school will be preventing 4,348,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere.

"A large installation like this one has an influential positive impact on the community by encouraging sustainable lifestyle behaviors and clean energy practices with the youth," said Sullivan, "It is encouraging to see leading educational facilities recognize the benefit of going solar to set an example for the community as to what we all should be doing."

About Sullivan Solar Power
Sullivan Solar Power is a turnkey solar system provider that delivers solar electric projects from concept to completion with offices in the Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego. The company has installed more than 19-million watts of solar power ranging from residential to large commercial and municipal systems. Sullivan Solar Power has a longstanding A-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau, with no complaints filed since its founding in 2004. The firm has been named one of the nation's fastest growing energy companies by Inc. Magazine and services clients throughout Southern California. Regardless of project size and scope, Sullivan is committed to delivering the best products provided by the most qualified professionals to every customer. Visit sullivansolarpower.com for more information.

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