Green Schools | News

California District To Save $15 Million with Solar

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 01/23/12

California's Huntington Beach City School District has completed a 592-kilowatt solar power system that will save the district $15 million over the 25-year life of the project.

Part of a larger project that includes lighting upgrades at nine campuses and the replacement of heating and cooling units at two campuses, the new system comprises photovoltaic panels mounted on shade structures at five schools. The locations include:

• Huntington Seacliff Elementary;
• Isaac Sowers Middle School;
• Ralph E. Hawes Elementary School;
• Agnes L. Smith Elementary School; and
• Ethel Dwyer Middle School.

The system, which will meet more than 30 percent of the district's energy needs, was designed, engineered, installed and guaranteed by Chevron Energy Solutions, which will also provide operation and maintenance services.

The project was funded in part through the California Solar Initiative, a program that gives cash to citizens and organizations for installing solar systems on their buildings. The district's incentive check, totaling more than $1.29 million, was presented at a board meeting January 17 by Southern California Edison.

Real-time data about the energy being produced and the environmental benefits of the system will also be available to teachers and students for use in math and science classes.

"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for environmentally sustainable operations at the Huntington Beach City School District--one that allows the community to experience the benefits of clean power without negatively impacting limited resources," said Jon Archibald, Huntington Beach City School District assistant superintendent of administrative services.

The Huntington Beach City School District includes nine elementary and middle schools. More information is available at hbcsd.k12.ca.us.