DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Renewable Social Benefit Funds (RSB Funds) and Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) partner to bring solar energy to 30 neighborhood schools. With no upfront cost to Jeffco because of federal, state and Xcel Energy renewable energy incentives, the goal is to save an estimated $1 million in energy costs over the next 20 years for Jefferson County taxpayers. “Bringing solar energy to Jeffco helps to cut overhead costs and stabilize rising electricity bills by allowing us to lock in a low electricity rate for years to come,” said Tom MacDonnell, energy management coordinator for Jeffco Schools. “The hope is to reduce our carbon footprint and redirect the cost savings back in to other needs throughout the district.” The project responds to recent legislation that gives Colorado the highest renewable energy standard in the Rocky Mountain West, requiring that 30 percent of electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2020. “There’s a misguided belief that clean solar energy is not cost-effective, but that’s just not true,” said Jonathan Jaffrey, president, Renewable Social Benefit Funds. “We ensure access to the most cost-effective clean energy solutions, including low maintenance costs and long-term reliability. RSB Funds is focused on solutions for the public and not-for-profit sectors because of the huge impact the cost savings will have when they reinvest that savings into their core programs. We’re excited for construction to begin in Jeffco Schools.” The panels used in this project will generate about half the electricity for an average elementary school. Another benefit from the program is the Teach the Teachers classroom education piece, to teach students and teachers about solar power and other energy-saving measures. RSB Funds has partnered with Tecta America Colorado, Martifer Solar, and Golden Power Partners to provide the high-efficiency solar system to Jeffco Public Schools.
