In partnership with Hudson Energy Solar (HES) Corporation, Delaware Valley Friends School (DVFS) officially "threw the switch" to commemorate the activation of its solar rooftop panels, which will supply approximately 30 percent of the school's energy and save hundreds of thousands of dollars for the school over its 20-year contract.

A Just Energy Group company, Hudson Energy Solar specializes in providing commercial and residential customers with renewable energy solutions. HES will own and operate the systems for 20 years, and sell the electricity produced back to the school at a significantly reduced rate through a Power Purchase Agreement.

The school's 85.6kW rooftop solar electric installation began as an effort to reduce energy costs, but has brought a greater return on investment than imagined.

"We are so excited to see this project come to fruition," says Pritchard Garrett, Head of School at DVFS.

"Going solar allows us to partner with both state and local government, as well as the business community. It provides our students with a living laboratory to study energy production, conservation and cost efficiency, and will represent a significant savings to the school in terms of energy consumption."

"This program was truly an example of the power of collaboration," said Abe Grohman, Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Energy Solar.

"Through the support of local business organizations as well as local government, we are able to help our schools better manage the energy they use, pursue environmental sustainability, and use it as a learning opportunity for tomorrow's leaders."

According to Bob Mueller, Chief Financial Officer at DVFS who led the solar initiative, the solar panels will supply more than one fifth of the school's consumption of electricity at guaranteed fixed rates that will be less than expected market prices.

"The savings over the 20-year life of the system are expected to be several hundreds of thousands of dollars,' Mueller said. "Additionally, the system will decrease the school's carbon dioxide emissions by more than 3.7 million lbs. This is equivalent to reducing the consumption of 204,450 gallons of gasoline over 25 years."

Additional support for the project came from many community and government sources, including former Governor Ed Rendell, Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Secretary of the Commonwealth Carol Aichele, State Senator Andrew Dinniman, former State Representative Paul Drucker, Chester County Board of Commissioners, Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors, and the Paoli Business and Professional Association.