California District's Solar Energy Project Targets $40 Million in Savings

Antelope Valley Union High School District of Lancaster, CA has broken ground on a new turnkey solar energy project that provider PsomasFMG estimated will save the district more than $40 million in utility costs over the next 20 years. The 9.6 megawatt photovoltaic installation is the largest to date in any school system in California.

Designed and engineered to provide more 80 percent of the district's electrical power needs and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 250,000 tons over 20 years, the $52 million project includes the construction of steel-frame canopies to support approximately 41,000 solar panels at the 10 school campuses participating in the project, with the added benefit of providing covered parking for 4,000 vehicles in this desert community some 60 miles north of Los Angeles.

AVUHSD Deputy Superintendent Jeffrey Foster noted that the project is a classic win-win scenario because, owing to a public-private investment partnership arranged by the company, the district required no upfront capital outlay to build the solar energy system. "PsomasFMG has been a willing partner, clearly explaining the project, delivering their product, and helping develop a green curriculum that will benefit our students," said Foster. "We look forward to flipping the switch and bringing our district into a greener future."

Apart from the environmental benefits, the project will reap financial reward for the district, with an estimated utility cost savings of 18 percent the first year alone. PsomasFMG will provide long-term asset management to ensure that both the district and investors, realize optimal gains from the project.

Using a single construction crew for optimal economies of scale, the company is installing the solar panels in three phases, the last of which it expects to commission in early 2011.

About the Author

Scott Aronowitz is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas. He has covered the technology, advertising, and entertainment sectors for seven years. He can be reached here.

Featured

  • split-screen digital illustration of two AI-influenced classrooms

    What AI Gets Right and How It Will Be Used in the Year Ahead

    AI has tremendous potential to do good in education while honoring and upholding the essential role of teachers. However, its success will depend on how we choose to use it.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • A geometric pattern of open Chromebook computers with bold outlines, subtle shading, and soft gradients, spaced evenly with vibrant green and blue accents on a neutral background.

    Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for the 'Great Chromebook Refresh'

    During the pandemic, the education community scrambled to provide students with laptops to promote online learning equity and mitigate learning loss. Today, those devices are approaching the end of their useful lives — and a "great Chromebook refresh" has been predicted as schools seek to replace them with newer models.