This week in California, the state's secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, Linda S. Adams, honored PsomasFMG for the successful completion of a solar panel system that spans 10 schools in the Antelope Valley Union High School District. 

The company installed photovoltaic systems at 10 separate schools in the region, according to the school district. The solar panel systems cost $52 million and are capable of generating 9.6 megawatts of clean energy during peak efficiency. The public-private partnership between the state and the company illustrates the growing importance of solar power as a viable alternative energy source, affirmed Adams.

"This project is an innovative green solution that serves as a model for other school districts and municipalities," Adams told reporters. "Congratulations to the Antelope Valley Unified High School District and to PsomasFMG for demonstrating that 'going green' can save money and create jobs while decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels."

The project began in August 2010 and cost the district no money to construct, according to a press release. Over the next 40 years, the solar panel systems are projected to save the district over $40 million in energy costs; they will also slash greenhouse gas emissions by 250,000 metric tons.