Faith Lutheran gains new power, loses chunk off its bill

If your August power bill was $30,000, you would probably be looking at green alternatives, too.

A new system of 4,541 solar panels is expected to save Faith Lutheran Jr/Sr High School about $140,000 on its annual power bill. The system will generate 1.11 megawatts of power annually, enough to power 125 homes.

A computer screen in the front office of the private school at 2015 S. Hualapai Way displays the energy savings in different terms. As of Nov. 1, about three weeks after the solar panels began harvesting sunlight, the school had saved the equivalent of 398 lightbulbs in use for a year or 5,467 gallons of gas. The solar panels also saved the equivalent of 50 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

"For us to be a leader in Southern Nevada in solar is critical," said Dr. Steven Buuck, Faith Lutheran CEO.

Indeed, it is the largest solar energy system at a school in Nevada, according to Chris Brooks, director of Bombard Renewable Energy, a division of Bombard Electric LLC. Bombard installed the Faith Lutheran solar system and, since 2004, has installed systems at about 20 elementary and middle schools in Nevada. Bombard also completed projects at Nellis Air Force Base, Opportunity Village, Three Square food bank, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and several other locations.

The best thing about it, said Buuck, is the cost.

"It's a $5.2 million project, and we didn't pay a dime for it," he said. "And we're saving money every year."

It was funded through NV Energy rebates and the Federal Renewable Energy Investment Tax Credit. The project also used only American-made products and was designed, engineered and constructed by Nevada companies.

Bombard approached Faith Lutheran with the idea last year because it is "the perfect campus," Brooks said.

"It's large enough; it has the power needs necessary, and they're a great member of the community," he said.

Faith Lutheran's power needs are great. The school encourages students to be connected with technology at all times and provides iPads and laptops to students for use during class.

After months of planning and attaining the necessary permits and permissions from various regulatory entities, construction began June 13. Gary Daning, facilities manager for Faith Lutheran, said it took about 10 weeks to complete. Solar panels cover the roof and student and faculty parking lots. It will cut the annual power bill by half, he said.

The system is on a five-year lease from Bombard, which will cover maintenance and repairs. Some of the panels are especially close to the backstop of the baseball field, and Daning said he is "a little worried" about foul balls.

"I'm sure the baseball kids can't wait to get out here and see who can break the first panel," he said.

After the lease is up, Faith Lutheran will assume maintenance and repair costs.

Buuck said he plans to use the money to invest in education, students and staff. He said the school plans to invest in a new science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, program next school year. Some of these savings could be used as capital to help buy robotics equipment, for example, he said. Buuck also plans to purchase more computers and iPads for students.

Students already are experiencing a simpler benefit of solar panels: shade.

"Their comment all the time is it is 'so nice getting into my car' at the end of the day," Buuck said. "The bottom line is, they see it as they get covered parking."

Contact View education reporter Jeff Mosier at jmosier@viewnews.com or 702-224-5524.