SPG Solar, Inc., nominated Point Loma Nazarene University for a San Diego Excellence In Energy Award. PLNU was nominated for their solar power system and various other sustainability measures.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Tina Barni
Commercial Marketing Specialist
SPG Solar, Inc.
20 Leveroni Court
Novato, CA 94949
www.spgsolar.com
PH: 415.883.7657
DIRECT: 415.382.2173
FAX: 415.382.2170
EMAIL: tina.barni@spgsolar.com




SPG Solar Nominates Point Loma Nazarene University for a SANDEE Award
Winners will be announced March 26th

March 24, 2009 (San Diego, Calif.) SPG Solar, Inc., nominated Point Loma Nazarene University for a San Diego Excellence In Energy Award. PLNU was nominated for their solar power system and various other sustainability measures. California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) will announce the winners on Thursday, March 26, at the Omni Hotel in San Diego.

SPG Solar, one of the premier solar contractors in the United States, worked closely with PLNU staff to ensure the university's renewable energy goals were achieved and their solar project was installed with minimal impact on campus activities. SPG Solar collaborated with PLNU on all levels, from energy management and system design to financial solutions, installation, and operation. The project was strongly influenced by PLNU students, who, as part of a class project, participated in the RFP process and teamed up with PLNU's sustainability department, administration and facilities managers.

SPG Solar installed photovoltaic systems on four campus buildings totaling 357 kilowatt (kW) DC (300kW AC). PLNU is the first San Diego university to install a large-scale PV system and one of California's largest PV installations for a private university. The system provides approximately 80 percent of peak energy for four prominent facilities, including a residence hall and the gymnasium. The environmental benefits of the solar system, combined with other green initiatives PLNU has enacted, significantly reduce the university's carbon footprint. In total, more than 50 percent of each buildings' annual electricity costs will be offset by clean, solar power.

"The SANDEE Award winners are taking a leading role in helping San Diego and California to secure a sustainable energy future and very much deserve this public acknowledgment," said Irene Stillings, CCSE executive director.

The key element that enabled PLNU to go solar as cost-effectively as possible was the Power Purchase Agreement that SPG Solar proposed, which allowed PLNU to go solar with no initial outlay of capital. Instead, the university entered into an agreement with Solar Power Partners (SPP), which owns, operates, and manages the solar system. Under the terms of the agreement, PLNU purchases the electricity generated by the solar system from SPP over the next 20 years.

By going solar, PLNU has raised awareness of green energy in the campus community and helped to encourage their students and faculty to learn more about environmental stewardship and green industries.

"The fact that SPG Solar was willing to work with us and was excited about the potential to go solar was huge," said Richard Schult, director of PLNU's physical plant. "Together we figured out how to overcome financial and technical hurdles. SPG Solar made the solar installation process very easy."

PLNU has a long-term goal of attaining 20-30 percent green power for their campus before the year 2015.

"Going solar gave a big boost toward that goal," said Schult. "We are grateful to SPG Solar for making it happen."


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About Point Loma Nazarene University
Point Loma Nazarene University is a selective liberal arts university located in San Diego, California and sits on a 90 acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to more than 50 undergraduate areas of study, PLNU offers graduate program regional centers in Bakersfield, Arcadia, Mission Valley (San Diego) and the Inland Empire. Founded in 1902, PLNU serves approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students.

PLNU Environmental Awards and Recognitions:
2008 Orchid Award for Sustainable Design
2008 Environmental Services Department Recycler of the Year Award
2006 RecycleMania Waste Minimization Award
2006 WRAP Waste Reduction and Recycling Award
2005 WRAP Waste Reduction and Recycling Award
2005 Environmental Services Department Waste Reduction and Recycling Award
2004 WRAP Waste Reduction and Recycling Award
2004 Environmental Services Department Recycler of the Year Award


About SPG Solar, Inc.
SPG Solar, Inc. is a proven leader in the design and installation of photovoltaic power systems. With over 1,200 grid-connected PV systems in service throughout the Western United States and a senior staff with decades of experience in electrical engineering, construction and project development, SPG Solar provides our customers with the very best in solar technology and professional design-build services. SPG Solar delivers innovative and dependable solar systems with the highest quality of workmanship from the initial customer consultation to the final system commissioning and post installation analysis. For more information, please visit: www.spgsolar.com.

About Solar Power Partners (SPP)
Solar Power Partners, Inc. (SPP) is a California-based renewable energy company that is leading the way in streamlining the adoption of clean solar energy by businesses, institutions and municipalities throughout the United States. Combining the financing strength of solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with the expertise and best practices of top solar and building industry professionals, SPP gives building owners a clear path to achieving energy independence with lower electrical costs at predictable rates and without the risks or costs of owning and maintaining solar facilities. For more information visit www.solarpowerpartners.com.

About The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE)
The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that helps residents, businesses and public agencies save energy, reduce grid demand and generate their own power through a variety of rebate, technical assistance and education programs. CCSE also provides the community with objective information, research, analysis and long-term planning on energy issues and technologies. For more information, visit www.energycenter.org or call toll-free 1-866-SDENERGY. We are promoting change for a clean energy future.