Governor Jerry Brown stopped at Marshall Elementary School in Fowler on Thursday to sign three renewable energy bills into law.
One of the bills signed will help Fowler Unified build a new solar project that's expected to save the district millions of dollars in energy costs over time.
"This is real money. And what I like about this is we're looking to Washington to create jobs, this is creating jobs now. And it's gonna save money," said Brown. As part of the project, solar panels will be installed over playgrounds, parking lots, and excess land at five of the district's six schools, leaders said. The goal is to offset about 98% of the district's electricity costs.
"Their electricity costs are the highest non-personnel costs in their entire budget. So to be able to find a way to control and reduce that cost is a significant benefit to the kids because that money is then going into the classroom," said Rick Brown, President of TerraVerde Renewable Partners.
The district will invest about $4.8 million from general obligation bonds but get about $793,000 back in rebates thanks to Senate Bill 585, district leaders said.
"The state of California is in difficult financial times. And so the only way to create revenue is to have more students or to look at the things that you do," said Fowler Unified Superintendent Eric Cederquist.
Within the first five years, the district is expected to save about $2.5 million in energy costs. The project is expected to pay for itself within 11 years, leaders said. "Solar and wind, you know, they're not as big as oil and gas. But over time, they will be. And california is the pioneer," said Brown.
Construction on Fowler Unified's new solar project is expected to begin early next year. It'll be fully operational by next spring, district leaders said.
Governor Brown also signed Assembly Bill 1150 and Senate Bill 16 into law. AB1150 authorizes the California Public Utilities Commission to collect funds for the Self-Generation Incentive Program through December 31, 2014. SB16 requires the Department of Fish & Game to expedite their permitting process for renewable energy projects.
