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Prince George's County Public Schools

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Office of Communications
Last modified: 6/8/2012 3:12:12 PM
News Release
University Park Elementary Becomes First County School to Use Solar Energy
June 8, 2012
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
UPPER MARLBORO, MD -- University Park Elementary School is slated to become the first public school in Prince George’s County with roof-mounted solar panels. The solar project, now entering the initial design phase, is part of the Small Town Energy Program (STEP), a three-year grant to the Town of University Park from the U.S. Department of Energy.

“We are proud to partner with STEP in this groundbreaking initiative,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of Schools. “Not only will the project reduce utility costs at University Park Elementary School, it will provide an ongoing opportunity for students to learn more about solar energy.”

According to University Park Mayor John Tabori, “One of the goals of STEP is to cut energy use and costs in homes and in public buildings. Adding solar panels to generate electricity is a pioneering move that complements STEP’s energy saving goals. We believe we are creating a model that other small towns in Maryland and across America can follow.”

Working in partnership with the Prince George’s County Board of Education, the Town of University Park should be ready to accept bids for the initial engineering work within a few weeks. The planned solar array could generate enough power to offset the electricity consumption of up to seven homes with families of four, according to estimates by real estate trade publication The Cooperator.

STEP is funded by the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program. STEP is a three-year, $1.42 million initiative to reduce energy usage by 20 percent in 20 percent of University Park homes (and three communities into which STEP is expanding). The program began in August 2010 and runs through July 2013.

For more information about STEP, visit www.mystep-up.org.

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About PGCPS: Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS), one of the nation's 25 largest school districts, has 204 schools, approximately 125,000 students and nearly 18,000 employees. With an annual budget of $1.6 billion, the district serves a diverse student population from urban, suburban and rural communities. PGCPS is nationally recognized for its innovative programs and initiatives, including the expansion of Advanced Placement courses and partnerships with businesses and institutions of higher learning.

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