California's Foothill-De Anza Community College District recently announced the completed installation of solar electric and energy-efficient cogeneration projects at Foothill and De Anza colleges.

According to Foothill-De Anza, the projects cost $5.1 million and total 780 kilowatts. Project costs were offset by $2 million in state rebates.

"We're proud to serve as a model for educational institutions statewide and across the nation in achieving energy sustainability, preserving the environment while reducing energy costs and thereby maximizing resources for students," said Foothill-De Anza chancellor Martha Kanter.

Foothill-De Anza noted that the new projects, coupled with earlier lighting, air conditioning and energy management improvements, will cut electricity purchases by nearly 50 percent and save approximately $800,000 per year. Chevron Energy Solutions designed, engineered and constructed the new projects.