WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KIPP DC, Volt Energy, Sol Systems, and Washington Gas Energy Systems are pleased to announce the grand opening of the new solar energy facility located at KIPP DC’s Douglass Campus in Washington, D.C. A private ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on November 14, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. with Dot Harris from the Department of Energy serving as the keynote speaker.
“Eighteen months ago, Volt Energy approached KIPP DC about developing a solar project and offering sustainable energy learning opportunities for our students,” said Alex Shawe, Director of Real Estate and General Counsel for KIPP DC. “We are thrilled to see this project come to fruition and for our students to have some insight into various STEM careers. KIPP DC is honored that Dot Harris and other special guests will be on hand to celebrate the solar unveiling with us.”
“The Department of Energy recently launched The Minorities In Energy Initiative to expand engagement opportunities for minorities in the energy sector. This project is a great example of several of the initiative’s goals, which include minority economic development, STEM education, and climate change,” stated Dot Harris, Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the U.S. Department of Energy.
The 227 kW solar energy system consists of solar carports and rooftop solar panels. Volt Energy was the developer of the project and selected Green State Power to install the solar system. Sol Systems structured the transaction and financed the project on behalf of its investor client, Washington Gas Energy Systems, which will own and operate the solar energy facility.
Volt Energy and Sol Systems are headquartered in Washington, D.C. Washington Gas Energy Systems is based in McLean, Va.
“Investing in clean and renewable energy assets is a critical part of our business strategy, and we are proud to have invested in more than 16 megawatts of energy solutions throughout Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas,” said Sanjiv Mahan, vice president of business development at Washington Gas Energy Systems. “We commend KIPP DC for taking significant steps to reduce greenhouse gases and educate students about environmental sustainability, and thank Dot Harris and the Department of Energy for their deep commitment to research and development in solar energy.”
“We are proud to work with local partners, Volt Energy and Washington Gas Energy Systems, to bring innovative solar energy solutions to the District,” said George Ashton CFO of Sol Systems. “This partnership is good for D.C., the environment, and for the students that KIPP DC serves. Through this partnership, we have created electricity savings for the four KIPP DC schools at the Douglass Campus and a unique educational opportunity for students.”
Volt Energy will work closely with KIPP DC staff to deliver innovative sustainable energy learning opportunities. Plans will include engaging students through interactive workshops highlighting the traditional and renewable sources of energy and discussing career opportunities in STEM concentrated fields.
“Volt Energy is fully committed to delivering solar energy solutions to education institutions and is equally as passionate about providing tangible STEM opportunities to children. KIPP DC does a phenomenal job of preparing its students for college and future careers in all industries and we are excited to talk with their students about career opportunities in STEM areas,” said Gilbert Campbell III, co-owner of Volt Energy. “We look forward to our continued partnership to provide alternative energy solutions as well as exciting learning opportunities for students.”
About KIPP DC
KIPP DC is a network of high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools in Washington, D.C. All KIPP DC schools are tuition-free, open enrollment schools, and actively recruit and serve students in the city's most under-resourced communities. At KIPP DC, there are no shortcuts. Outstanding educators and staff, more time in school, a rigorous college preparatory-curriculum, and a strong culture of achievement and support help our students make significant academic gains and continue to excel in high school and college. The KIPP DC network currently serves 3,600 students at twelve schools on four campuses in the District of Columbia, and will eventually serve over 5,000 students at thirteen schools by 2017. For more information, visit www.kippdc.org.
About Volt Energy
Volt Energy is one of the largest minority owned solar energy development firms that builds, operates, and maintains state-of-the-art renewable energy systems for commercial, government, and educational institutions. Volt Energy has been recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine for outstanding achievement as a small business and was nominated for Black Enterprise’s 2011 Small Business of The Year award. Volt Energy's notable clients include: Fort Bragg, Wake Forest University, North Carolina A&T University, and Winston-Salem State University. Fore more information, visit www.volt-energy.com.
About Sol Systems
Sol Systems is a boutique financial services firm that offers investor clients direct access to the renewable energy asset class and provides developers with sophisticated project financing solutions. Founded in 2008, Sol Systems focuses on meeting the most critical needs of the industry, including SREC monetization, capital placement, tax equity, and New Market Tax Credits. To date, the company has arranged financing for thousands of projects and facilitated hundreds of millions in investment on behalf of Fortune 100 companies, private equity, family offices and individuals. For more information please visit www.solsystemscompany.com.
About Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc.
Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc., an affiliate of Washington Gas Light Company and a subsidiary of WGL Holdings (NYSE: WGL), design-builds and owns custom energy solutions that deliver financial, operational and carbon reduction results for non-residential customers across the United States. Washington Gas Energy Systems is focused on federal energy efficiency projects and commercial distributed generation assets including solar. Washington Gas Energy Systems currently holds over 55 MW of commercial-scale solar projects throughout the U.S. in 11 different states, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New Mexico. For more information on how Washington Gas Energy Systems can make solar power a reality for you, contact Nate Greenberg, 703-333-3929, or email nategreenberg@wges.com. For further information about Washington Gas Energy Systems, please visit www.wgesystems.com.
About Green State Power
Green State Power is a full service solar integrator based out of Greensboro, NC servicing the east coast. GSP offers turnkey solar services including site analysis, system design, installation, rebate assistance, system monitoring and long term operations and maintenance. Green State Power provides high quality systems with long term performance and client satisfaction as its primary goals.
