The systems are projected to generate an estimated 1.4 million kilowatt hours of clean energy in its first full year of operation, representing 70 percent of each site's individual energy needs.

The systems are hosted by the Diocese on five parish/school combinations, including Holy Spirit, Holy Family, Saint Christopher, Queen of Apostles, Saint Lucy as well as Gate of Heaven Cemetery. As part of the Catholic Green Initiative of Santa Clara County, the Diocese entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with PES to host the solar installations requiring no capital outlay from the Diocese or its parishes.

Under the PPA, the Diocese will purchase clean solar energy produced by each installation at a predetermined, fixed rate. All operations of the system will be assumed by PES.

"Renewable energy, decreased carbon footprint and sustainability are gaining greater acceptance in today's society and the solar installation in the Diocese showcases these benefits," said Mike Maley, president and CEO of Perpetual Energy Systems.

"Our commitment to provide comprehensive PPA financing provides various institutions, corporations and municipalities access to renewable energy solutions without any capital outlay."

PES combined conventional financing with federal energy tax incentives to fund each installation. As owner, PES retains the renewable energy certificates and environmental attributes generated by the system's actual kilowatt hour output.

"The activation of the system is an outstanding achievement for our Diocese, our partners and our community as we continue the Catholic Green Initiative," said Bishop Patrick J. McGrath. "Thanks to the financing capabilities of PES and the efforts of Photon and MBL, the installation of these systems strengthens our goal of encouraging the Catholic community and all people of faith to examine how we use and share the earth's resources."

The combined systems, consisting of more than 5,000 solar panels that occupy 70,000 square feet of rooftop space, will eliminate approximately 21,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) throughout its operating lifespan. This reduction of CO2 in the environment is equivalent to planting 377 acres of trees or removing 5,179 cars from the nation's roads for one year.

Integration and Installation Partners
The project was integrated by MBL and Photon. MBL, one of the largest and most experienced solar photovoltaic system builders in California, was contracted by PES to design, engineer and construct the system. The company has also been engaged to oversee ongoing maintenance for the system.

"As a leader at the forefront of solar energy design and construction, MBL is committed to engaging projects which support and emphasize the importance energy independence and sustainability," said Mark Laubach, president of MBL-Energy.

Photon is a leading integrator of solar electric generation systems for large scale energy users. Photon worked with the Diocese to evaluate its energy usage and determine how solar energy would help the institution save money, reduce carbon emissions, increase energy independence and enhance sustainability.

"The Diocese installation is one of the largest Catholic solar projects in America," said Reid Rutherford, CEO of Photon Energy Services. "We are glad to have supported the Diocese in achieving its energy efficiency goals and hope this project inspires other organizations to consider making a measurable contribution to environmental sustainability through renewable solar energy."

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