Meridian High School Celebrates Successful Completion of 440.90 KW Solar Project with Ribbon Cutting and Education Event.

New York, NY, December 7, 2023 – Meridian High School ushered in a new era of sustainability as it proudly unveiled its 440.90 KW solar array during a momentous ribbon-cutting and education event on December 5th, 2023. This visionary initiative comes to life through the collective efforts of Falls Church City Public Schools, Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI), Sun Tribe, and Carrick Contracting Corporation.

This solar project features 818 panels and is poised to generate an impressive 557.3 MWh annually. The project, a testament to public-private collaboration, stands as a beacon of clean energy innovation, supported by both local and federal government initiatives.

The event welcomed distinguished guests and visionary speakers who shared their insights:

Dr. Peter Noonan, Superintendent, illuminated the transformative journey of the project, underscoring its alignment with their ambitious goals. He stressed the crucial role of local, state, and federal support in realizing this clean energy initiative. Additionally, Dr. Noonan commended the dedicated efforts of the school and council, highlighting their achievement in transforming the entire building into a green facility, integrating geo-thermal, aquaculture, and now solar energy components.

Rich Allevi, VP of Development at Sun Tribe, provided technical insights, noting that the solar array is expected to generate 14.18 GWH of solar energy over the next 25 years, equivalent to powering over 750 homes for a year. He underscored the environmental impact, stating that the clean power generated will help the school avoid 6,700 tons of carbon emissions.

Jerry Murphy, VP of Delivery at MEI, conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the collaborative efforts, underscoring the local importance of the project and MEI's enduring commitment as the long-term owner and operator. Murphy highlighted a unique connection between the project and the Madison team, given its proximity to their offices. He further emphasized the special significance, pointing to the potential future involvement of employees' children in the school, making this project meaningful on multiple levels.

In a heartfelt essay, Gia Khan, junior student at Meridian, eloquently expressed the profound impact of Meridian High School's solar project on the student body's education. Khan emphasized the significance of incorporating sustainable energy education into the curriculum, describing the newly unveiled solar array as a tangible piece of their learning experience. According to Khan, the presence of this clean energy initiative on-site instills a sense of pride among students, fostering a connection between environmental stewardship and their educational journey.

State Assemblyman Marcus Simon lauded Falls Church as a trailblazer in Virginia, commending the city for its leadership role in advancing clean energy initiatives. Simon highlighted the pivotal role played by Meridian High School's solar project in propelling the state closer to its clean energy goals. Recognizing the collaborative efforts of the community and educational institutions, Simon acknowledged Falls Church's commitment to sustainability, positioning the city as a beacon for other regions in Virginia to follow.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, the day commenced with a Solar Education Expo led by Sun Tribe’s Curriculum and Instruction Lead, Meghan Milo. Two student groups participated in engaging sessions covering technical design, solar circuit challenges, and insights into solar careers.

Thanks to the visionary leadership of Falls Church City Public Schools, the dedication to execution of Madison Energy Infrastructure, Sun Tribe, and Carrick, and the steadfast commitment from the federal government, Meridian High School and its community are poised for operational savings and a lasting positive impact on the lives of students and families.

About Falls Church City Public Schools:

Established on June 27, 1949, Falls Church City Public Schools officially became an independent school system, authorized for separation from the Fairfax County school system by the Virginia Board of Education. This move followed Falls Church's acquisition of enabling legislation in 1948 to form an independent city. With a commitment to upholding its renowned status as the leading K-12 International Baccalaureate school system in the nation, Falls Church City Public Schools, comprising five schools, caters to approximately 2700 students, including those from communities outside the City of Falls Church. The division prides itself on an international reputation for excellence and emphasizes personalizing learning to support each child's unique needs. The overarching mission is to prepare every student for responsible, caring, and internationally minded citizenship.

About Sun Tribe:

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, Sun Tribe has grown into one of the largest clean energy companies in the Mid-Atlantic region. Sun Tribe delivers legacy-grade projects that translate into long-term value for partners. Diligent upfront de-risking, best-in-class development and engineering, and forging ongoing relationships built on trust define the Sun Tribe approach. With a team of more than 80 renewable energy experts, Sun Tribe has completed more than 100 clean energy projects to date. The team has previously developed and built solar facilities in 20 states for leading partners including Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Exelon, Pacific Power, PSEG, the United States Air Force, and the United States Navy. To learn more visit http://www.suntribesolar.com.

About Madison Energy Infrastructure:

Madison Energy Infrastructure is a leading clean energy partner committed to delivering sustainable results with certainty, speed, and trust. Our robust portfolio—comprised of over half a gigawatt of clean energy infrastructure assets across more than 25 states—is bolstered by the strength of our globally renowned investors and capital partners. We offer a comprehensive suite of services from project development and engineering to construction, financing, and long-term asset management. What sets us apart is our team’s commitment to addressing complex challenges and making the transition to clean energy simple, efficient, and profitable. With a proven track record of successfully executing hundreds of projects, we are unwaveringly focused on exceeding expectations and achieving meaningful results for our partners and customers.

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