It's predicated that the 8 MW of power will provide 12 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy - or 5 percent of the entire CSU system's yearly energy consumption, according to a press release from the state.
"California is going green, and we are doing it first and we are doing it fast," said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in the press release. "With the partnership being announced today [Nov. 12, 2008] between California and SunEdison, we are seeing more tangible results and more follow-through in reducing our state's carbon footprint. This partnership is a good deal for the state, the planet and our economy - all at no cost to taxpayers."
The solar panels will be installed on campus rooftops and parking canopies, and there will be in-ground panels at selected locations.
Through a power-purchase agreement, CSU will buy the renewable power at or below the current retail rates and avoid paying for the system's installation. This program is part of a solar-purchase agreement arranged by the state's Department of General Services, in which the California-SunEdison partnership will provide the state with approximately 20 MW of renewable energy. Other participants include the departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and Mental Health.
