NEW HOPE, PA / ACCESSWIRE / May 29, 2019 / Iota Communications, Inc. (OTCQB: IOTC), a wireless network carrier and software service company that provides Internet of Things solutions that optimize energy efficiency, sustainability and operations for commercial facilities announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Iota Commercial Solutions, has completed and commissioned a ground mounted solar array at the new Belair K-8 School in Augusta, GA.
"This is a fantastic addition to our state-of-the-art facility at Belair K-8," said Dr. Angela Pringle, Superintendent of Richmond County School System (RCSS). "As a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focused curriculum provider, the on-site solar system gives our students and community first-hand exposure to renewable energy technologies and their environmental and financial benefits." According to Glenn Todd, Energy Manager for RCSS, "We are thrilled to announce that solar energy production has covered 100% of our electric bill during the first two months since this system was installed. We couldn't be happier." The project was funded by the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). Energy produced by the system will reduce annual energy operating costs by approximately one-third - allowing more dollars for mission critical learning resources.
The 336-kilowatt (DC) system is comprised of 988 solar photovoltaic modules and is estimated to generate more than 500 megawatt-hours in the first year of operation. This equates to enough power for over 50 homes annually. Over the 25+ year life of the solar array, it will offset an estimated 13,500,000 lbs. of CO2. The ground mounted solar array, built on the northern property buffer behind the school, is visible from classrooms and playground areas. A dedicated kiosk in the lobby displays real-time information on system performance and environmental benefits, giving students, faculty and visitors a constant reminder of their efforts to enhance a more sustainable future.
"Iota is honored to have had the opportunity to support RCSS in its renewable energy initiative," said Patrick Hassell, ICS General Manager and Head of Business Development. "Having delivered hundreds of commercial solar systems throughout the country, there is always something special about school-sited renewable energy projects. The exposure students gain from its tangible presence provides an exponential benefit year after year. In addition, each new successful customer engagement allows us to further our goal of making high value solutions and services available to the commercial, municipal, education and healthcare facility market and eventually proliferate the presence of our IoT connectivity platform."
Solar projects like the solar system at RCSS are projected to fuel growth in solar and clean energy jobs this year. Total installed PV capacity is expected to rise 14 percent in 2019 to about 12 GW, according to the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. This growth trend is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. SEIA's president and CEO, Abigail Ross Hopper states, "The total amount of solar installed in America is on track to more than double in the next five years, proving solar's resiliency and its economic strength. It's clear, this next decade is going to be one of significant growth." The Solar Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar and solar-compatible technologies worldwide, found that in 2018 the United States had over 242,000 solar workers.
About Iota Communications, Inc.
Iota is a wireless network carrier system and software-as-a-service platform dedicated to the Internet of Things. Iota sells recurring-revenue solutions that optimize energy usage, sustainability and operations for commercial and industrial facilities both directly and via third-party relationships. Iota also offers important ancillary products and services which facilitate the adoption of its subscription-based services, including solar energy, LED lighting, and HVAC implementation services. For more information, please visit our web site at www.iotacommunications.com.
About Richmond County School System
The Richmond County School System, located in Augusta, Georgia, is home to over 32,000 students in 56 schools, making it the 10th largest school district in Georgia. With over 4,000 employees, RCSS is the third largest employer in Augusta-Richmond County. RCSS boasts having the oldest public school in the south, and the fifth oldest public high school in America, with several other schools featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Although steeped in history, the Richmond County School System strives to move our community forward through education, collaboration, and innovation while building a world-class school system where all students graduate college/career ready. For more information on RCSS please visit their website at https://www.rcboe.org.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release may contain "forward-looking statement" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to our growth strategy and product development programs and any other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated include, but are not limited to, risks related to the acquisition and integration of the assets we acquired from Solbright Group, Inc., risks related to our growth strategy; risks relating to the results of research and development activities; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical testing; our dependence on third-party suppliers; our ability to attract, integrate, and retain key personnel; the early stage of products under development; our need for substantial additional funds; government regulation; patent and intellectual property matters; competition; as well as other risks described in our SEC filings. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
Investor Contact:
Iota Communications, Inc.
540 Union Square
New Hope, PA 18938
Attn: Investor Relations
[email protected]
Public Relations Contact:
Greg Lutowsky, SVP, Corporate Communications
[email protected]
(855) 743-6478
SOURCE: Iota Communications, Inc.