Perpetual Energy Systems and the Diocese of San Jose Activate Six Solar Energy Installations

Combined Systems Will Generate Clean Energy Eliminating 21,000 Tons of CO2 

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. and SAN JOSE, Calif. – February 16, 2010: Perpetual Energy Systems (PES), a national power purchase agreement (PPA) provider/financier of solar powered renewable energy systems, and the Diocese of San Jose (Diocese), in conjunction with MBL-Energy (MBL) and Photon Energy Services (Photon), today announce the activation of six distributed solar energy installations, consisting of an aggregate nameplate capacity of 886 kW DC. 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,  and 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 Shawn Horwitz, Chairman 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.”

For more information about the Diocese energy project or to speak with a representative from Perpetual Energy Systems, the Diocese of San Jose, MBL-Energy or Photon Energy Services, please contact Don Canfield at 303-682-3942 or don@linnelltaylor.com.  High resolution photographs of the Diocese solar installation are available upon request.

ABOUT PERPETUAL ENERGY SYSTEMS

Perpetual Energy Systems is a national power purchase agreement (PPA) provider/financier of solar powered renewable energy systems, providing clean energy power to industrial, commercial and municipal enterprises. Without the need for capital outlays, host clients can gain access to renewable energy sources through clean energy technology.  Perpetual Energy Systems combines renewable energy tax incentives with conventional financing to achieve the design, construction, installation and operations of solar energy systems.  For more information, please contact Michael Streams by calling (818) 668-2834, e-mailing michael.streams@goperpetual.com, or by visiting www.goperpetual.com.

ABOUT THE DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE

The Diocese of San Jose is located in Santa Clara County, California, also identified as Silicon Valley. It is a community of 600,000 Catholics, encompassing 53 parishes and missions, 31 elementary schools, and 6 high schools. Under the leadership of Bishop Patrick J. McGrath and Father Brendan McGuire the diocese has embarked on the Catholic Green Initiative to find practical means for caring for creation. The installation of solar energy equipment is part of a coordinated effort to take practical steps to "Renewing the Earth." www.dsj.org

ABOUT MBL-ENERGY

MBL-Energy is one of the largest and most experienced solar photovoltaic system builders in California. MBL-Energy has installed more than 80,000 solar panels representing in excess of 17 megawatts of photovoltaic equipment. For more information, visit www.mbl-energy.com.

ABOUT PHOTON ENERGY SERVICES

Photon Energy Services is a turn-key developer and integrator of distributed solar electric generation systems for large-scale energy users. Photon brings together best-in-class construction firms and proven funding sources to install on-site, long-term and reliable photovoltaic (PV) systems. Through power purchase agreements, Photon gives customers the ability to purchase clean, renewable energy from a solar power system they design, finance, install, operate and maintain on a customer's facility with no upfront costs. To date, Photon has signed more than $30 million in solar projects and is actively pursuing projects throughout California, New Jersey, Hawaii and Florida. Photon is a member of the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA). For more information, please visit www.photonenergyservices.com or follow-us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PhotonHQ.