Case Study
Community Preparatory School: Solar on Schools
Overview
The Community Prep School is an independent school on the south side of Providence, RI, dedicated to educating diverse and low-income students. Their mission is to “empower our diverse student body to reach full academic and leadership potential while building a Beloved Community.” The majority of students that attend the school are from low-income families, with approximately 85% of students requiring significant financial aid to attend and 93% of the students receiving some form of scholarship.
The Community Prep School decided to add rooftop solar, but didn’t know where to begin. Copacity guided Community Prep School through the entire process – and has served as a partner on several projects since.
Thanks to its energy transition, Community Prep saves $41,383 every year – funding that can now be used to support its students and advance its mission.
Solar Project
Location
Providence, RI
System Size
46 kW
Annual Energy Generation
52,225 kWh
Interconnection
Net-Metered (direct)
O&M / Warranty
10 Years
Electric Needs
30%
The Copacity process and results exceeded our expectations. Their team made the entire process extremely easy and they did not impact any of our day-to-day activities. From the planning all the way to final inspections, the process was well managed. Partnering with Copacity has allowed the school to develop and implement self-funding environmental solutions on our campus…”
Dan Corley
Head of School
Project Summary
In 2018, the school launched its REACH! Campaign – a $15MM effort to support capital improvements and the school’s endowment fund. The school finished the campaign at 108% of its $15MM goal. As part of the campaign, Dash oversaw and sourced 100% funding for the school’s first solar project – a 46 kW rooftop system.
Following this first project, Copacity then completed a competitive bid for a remote crediting contract for the balance of the school’s electricity needs.
Then, when the school launched its last capital campaign for its new Arts and Entertainment facility, Copacity again provided the procurement service needed for the installation of the school’s latest rooftop solar project on the new facility.
Key Takeaway
All in all, the Community Prep school now offsets 100% of its electricity with a combination of on-site solar and remote crediting solar projects, which delivers a combined $41,383 in annual savings.
Client Savings
1st Year Savings
$8,081
Lifetime Savings
$143,546
Outcome
- Saving: 100% of the school’s electricity cost
- Total: $41,383
