San Rafael City Schools Selects REC Solar for 2.3 MW of Solar Installations at 5 District Schools

The San Rafael City Schools (SRCS) Board of Education has selected REC Solar to design, build, own, operate, and maintain 2.3 MW of solar at five schools throughout the district.

The rooftop and canopy solar arrays will help generate $9.7 million in energy savings and avoid 2,931 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to powering 525 homes or removing 633 gas-powered vehicles from the roads per year.

SRCS and clean energy consultants from NV5 have planned to achieve additional energy savings and carbon offset through solar installations at Davidson Middle, San Rafael High, Terra Linda High, Bahia Vista Elementary, and Venetia Valley schools.

The solar projects are financed through 25-year PPAs with REC Solar at no upfront cost to SRCS, which allows the district to reduce operating expenses without any initial investment capital required from general funds.

REC Solar will sell the generated power to the district at a fixed rate lower than the utility, helping to protect SRCS from fluctuating or rising energy costs over the next 25 years under the agreement. Additionally, REC Solar will remain responsible for the operation and maintenance of the solar installations throughout the life of the PPAs.

REC Solar will manage the design, permitting, financing, and installation of the solar projects at each SRCS location. Solar carports at Davidson Middle, San Rafael High, and Bahia Vista Elementary will generate clean energy while providing shade and protection for vehicles.

Solar shade canopies strategically placed at San Rafael High, Terra Linda High, and Venetia Valley schools will help maximize clean energy production and provide shade for students during hot weather. A rooftop solar array at San Rafael High will utilize an unused space to maximize solar generation.

While all of the solar arrays will provide valuable STEM learning experiences, they will also offer opportunities for students to engage with renewable energy technologies.

Construction at all five schools is expected to begin in 2025, though activities will be staggered between sites. The projects are scheduled to be completed by the first half of 2026.