Temecula Valley USD To Save $35 Million with Solar Power

The Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) is adding a six megawatt solar installation and an energy storage project in an effort to reduce energy costs.

The project, which is expected to save more than $520,000 in its first year and $35 million over its 25 year life, will stretch across 19 campuses, with 18 solar carports, two ground mount arrays and DemandLogic energy storage systems at five sites. Taken together, the storage systems will have 2,600 kilowatt hours of capacity, to be used during peak demand times.

SolarCity, which is installing and managing the system, will also provide its PowerGuide, a monitoring system that will allow students to see how much power the system is providing on an hourly, daily, monthly and yearly basis.

"Like many schools districts across the county, Temecula Valley has faced increasing budget cuts and rising operational expenses," said Janet Dixon, director of facilities development at TVUSD, in a prepared statement. "With SolarCity, we found a creative way to cut our electricity bills. This money will free up funds for the district to invest in student programs and curriculum."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

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