ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy (MJBHA), the oldest Jewish Day School in the Washington, DC metro area, today announced that more than 800 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed on the school's rooftop this summer, furthering the school's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The project will also provide a unique learning opportunity for the school's students.

The MJBHA PV project was awarded a Maryland Energy Administration Commercial Clean Energy Grant, which will help offset some of the initial costs of the system.

"I'm thrilled that we were able to help the Melvin J Berman Hebrew Academy make this smart investment in clean, renewable energy," said Malcolm Woolf, Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. "With this smart investment, Melvin J Berman is helping to drive Maryland's innovation economy and bringing us closer to our goal of generating 20 percent of our energy from renewable sources by 2022."

Designed and installed by Standard Solar, Inc. and owned and operated by Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc. (WGES), the system will provide emissions-free electricity that will satisfy more than 10 percent of the school's annual electricity demand. Students will be able to monitor the real-time output from the solar PV panels through a display installed at the school, and data from and about the system will be incorporated into the science curriculum.

"This project is consistent with the values of the school, particularly our commitment to financial sustainability as well as environmental stewardship," noted Dr. Joshua Levisohn, Headmaster of MJBHA. "The solar PV system will help us to teach and inspire students as they grow as leaders committed to a more sustainable future."

The 184 kW solar PV system will produce approximately 235,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, the equivalent of eliminating approximately 165 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year – the same as burning 17,000 fewer gallons of gasoline or planting nearly 4,000 tree seedlings that grow for 10 years. Installed at no up-front cost to the school, MJBHA will purchase the electricity generated by the system from WGES under a long term power purchase agreement (PPA).

"WGES' efforts to help customers find environmentally attractive solutions for their energy needs are bolstered by state programs and policies that encourage, and in fact rely on, the competitive market to invest in these clean energy technologies," said Harry Warren, president, WGES. "The MJBHA project affirms our commitment to bringing clean energy solutions to our local communities, and will bring our rapidly growing portfolio of owned, operated and committed solar power projects here in Maryland to over 4 megawatts, and in the Mid-Atlantic to over 6.5 megawatts."

In addition to the solar project, MJBHA has instituted the "Five percent initiative" – a school-wide effort to reduce their paper and materials usage by five percent.

"Standard Solar applauds MJBHA's commitment to sustainability," said Scott Wiater, president, Standard Solar. "Their five percent initiative, solar energy programs and similar efforts have the potential to turn the youth of today into lifelong advocates of a sustainable future."

About Melvin J Berman Academy

Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy is an Orthodox Day School that provides a comprehensive Jewish and secular education in an atmosphere of reverence, good citizenship, and love of the Jewish people and Israel.

Adhering to standards of academic excellence and exemplary moral conduct, it prepares its graduates to become Halachically observant, well-educated Jews. It provides opportunities for each student to achieve the maximum of his or her potential, engaged with, and contributing to both the Jewish community and the society at large.

About Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc.

Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc. is one of the largest competitive providers of electricity and natural gas in the mid-Atlantic region, and supplies more than 350,000 customers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Herndon, VA, Washington Gas Energy Services is an affiliate of Washington Gas and a subsidiary of WGL Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: WGL). For more information, please visit [ www.wges.com ].

About Standard Solar

Standard Solar, Inc. is a leader in the full-service development, construction, integration, financing and installation of solar electric systems. Since 2004, Standard Solar has been the partner of choice to make solar energy financially accessible, helping customers through financing options, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and navigating expanded federal and state and local tax credits. Ranked the 73rd Fastest Growing Private Company in America in 2010 by Inc. magazine, and the highest-ranking renewable energy company on the list, Standard Solar is headquartered in Rockville, Md. For more information, please visit [ www.standardsolar.com ].

SOURCE WGES

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Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy to go Solar with Assistance from the Maryland's Commercial Clean Energy Grant

Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy to go Solar with Assistance from the Maryland's Commercial Clean Energy Grant

800 panel project will be owned and operated by Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc. and installed by Standard Solar