Dominion Energy, BrightSuite Partner with Sun Tribe to Bring Solar to 21 Schools Across Virginia

Rhea-AI Summary

Dominion Energy, in partnership with BrightSuite Solar and Sun Tribe, is installing solar panels at 21 schools in Virginia, generating over 11 megawatts of energy at peak output. This initiative allows schools to reduce their carbon footprints while saving on utility bills through net metering. Under power purchase agreements, schools incur no upfront costs and ensure long-term savings. This project aligns with Dominion's commitment to sustainability, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.

Positive

• Partnership with Sun Tribe enhances renewable energy capacity.
• Over 11 megawatts of solar energy generated at peak output.
• No upfront costs for schools, leading to long-term savings.
• Educational programming available on renewable energy and STEM.

Negative

• None.

RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-one schools across Virginia are reducing their carbon footprints by powering their operations with solar energy through a partnership between BrightSuite Solar, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, and Sun Tribe. This partnership brings together two of Virginia's leading renewable energy companies and their expertise in financing and installation to help school divisions meet their clean energy goals.

The solar arrays at schools in Arlington, Fluvanna, Hanover, King William, Newport News, Powhatan and Virginia Beach are being installed in partnership with Sun Tribe, and in total will generate more than 11 megawatts of solar energy at peak output.

Solar panels are installed either atop school buildings or ground-mounted on school property and provide renewable energy to fulfill a portion of the energy supply needs of the schools while reducing their electric utility bills through the Commonwealth's net metering program using financing provided by BrightSuite. Under the power purchase agreements, the school divisions pay no upfront cost and receive long term energy cost certainty and savings. Students and educators will have access to educational programming that utilizes their solar systems – introducing the Commonwealth's youngest learners to foundational scientific concepts, broadening access to STEM, and raising awareness about renewable career pathways.  

"We are very excited to be able to partner with these schools to help them meet their renewable energy goals by lowering their carbon footprint and providing long-term cost savings," said Todd Headlee, Director of Customer Energy Solutions, Dominion Energy. "We know schools, municipalities, and businesses are looking for renewable and sustainable energy options, and BrightSuite Solar is here to help customers find the solution that works best for them."

"It's clear why there's so much demand for solar: these projects prove that a brighter, cleaner future for every community in Virginia is possible when we work together," said Devin Welch, CEO of Sun Tribe Solar. "At a moment when educational leaders throughout the Commonwealth are grappling with significant budget challenges while also looking for creative ways to engage with their students, more and more school divisions are embracing this opportunity to save money while bringing real-life science into the classroom."

The schools with projects currently underway include:

School	City/County	Capacity (KW DC)	System
Alice West Fleet Elementary School	Arlington	582	Rooftop
Carysbrook Elementary School	Fluvanna	582	Ground-mount
Central Elementary School	Fluvanna	192	Rooftop
Fluvanna County High School	Fluvanna	1090	Rooftop
Fluvanna Middle School	Fluvanna	1063	Ground-mount
West Central Primary School	Fluvanna	410	Ground-mount
Cool Spring Elementary School	Hanover	267	Rooftop
Hanover High School	Hanover	563	Rooftop
Laurel Meadow Elementary School	Hanover	356	Rooftop
Oak Knoll Middle School	Hanover	667	Rooftop
Acquinton Elementary School	King William	848	Ground-mount
Cool Springs Primary School	King William	665	Ground-mount
Gatewood P.E.E.P	Newport News	214	Rooftop
Flat Rock Elementary School	Powhatan	251	Rooftop
Pocahontas Elementary School	Powhatan	401	Rooftop
Powhatan Elementary School	Powhatan	450	Rooftop
Powhatan Middle School	Powhatan	511	Rooftop
Ocean Lakes Elementary School	Virginia Beach	412	Rooftop
Princess Anne Middle School	Virginia Beach	701	Rooftop
Renaissance Academy	Virginia Beach	892	Rooftop
Thoroughgood Elementary School	Virginia Beach	166	Rooftop

Since 2019, BrightSuite Solar has helped  businesses and governments achieve their sustainability goals by providing customers with low-cost renewable energy solutions. By pairing Dominion Energy's industry expertise and commitment to a cleaner energy future with a select network of leading Virginia based solar companies, BrightSuite Solar provides customers with turnkey solar solutions at no upfront cost.

BrightSuite Solar provides guidance throughout the process, including navigating Power Purchase Agreements (when applicable), design, financing, installation and interconnection. To learn more, visit www.brightsuite.com/solar.

With these 21 locations, Dominion Energy now has solar panels installed at 48 schools across the Commonwealth through both BrightSuite solar and its educational Solar for Students program.

About BrightSuite Solar
BrightSuite brings innovative technologies and services to customers to help them meet sustainability and renewable energy goals. BrightSuite is an unregulated affiliate of Virginia Electric and Power Company ("Virginia Power") but is not the same company nor part of the regulated services offered by Virginia Power. Participation in any BrightSuite offerings will not affect the price, availability, or terms of service from Virginia Power. For more information, visit www.brightsuite.com.

About Dominion Energy
More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

About Sun Tribe

With nearly 80 employees, over 100 projects completed or under development, and an award-winning track record of innovation and implementation, Sun Tribe – an Inc. 500 company – is one of the fastest growing clean energy companies in the United States. Thanks to an experienced, in-house team of development, engineering, financial, regulatory, procurement, and construction experts, Sun Tribe serves as a comprehensive energy advisory and delivery company for our client-partners.

Whether building the first solar array to sit on an abandoned coal mine in Virginia's history, powering the first 100 percent on-site solar school district in the United States, installing solar on flagship state government buildings, or working with Fortune 200 companies to help meet their sustainability goals, Sun Tribe specializes in creating a brighter energy future through long-lasting, sustainable partnerships.

Sun Tribe is proudly headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia.

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SOURCE Dominion Energy

FAQ

What is the solar energy project by Dominion Energy and Sun Tribe?

Dominion Energy is partnering with BrightSuite Solar and Sun Tribe to install solar panels at 21 schools in Virginia, generating over 11 megawatts of energy.

How much solar energy will be generated at the schools?

The solar installations will generate more than 11 megawatts of solar energy at peak output.

What are the financial benefits for the schools involved in the solar project?

Schools will face no upfront costs and will benefit from long-term energy cost savings through power purchase agreements.

When was the solar energy project announced?

The solar energy project was announced on December 11, 2020.

Which Virginia cities are benefiting from the solar energy project?

Cities involved in the solar project include Arlington, Fluvanna, Hanover, King William, Newport News, Powhatan, and Virginia Beach.