California District To Save $39 Million with Solar Power
Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) has installed solar power projects at 20 campuses, with a projected savings of $39 million in energy costs over 30 years.
Installed by SunPower, the projects comprise 5.3 megawatts, which should reduce the district's electricity needs by about 69 percent, and are mostly rooftop arrays and parking lot shade structures. The systems will reduce the district's carbon dioxide output by approximately 4,000 tons per year, equivalent to removing 22,260 cars from the road over the next three decades.
"Going solar makes sense today and for future generations," said Donald Gill, superintendent at AUSD, in a prepared statement. "These SunPower systems will maximize our use of clean, renewable energy and reduce utility expenses. We look forward to using the future savings to enhance the quality of the programs we offer our students."
"Antioch Unified School District can rely on its SunPower solar systems to deliver guaranteed energy performance over the long term," said Howard Wenger, SunPower president of business units, ina prepared statement. "SunPower works with school districts across California to reduce operating costs and repurpose the savings to the classroom. It is extremely rewarding to partner with our public schools to deliver needed savings, while inspiring teachers and students with the great power and potential of the sun."
AUSD serves more than 19,000 students with approximately 1,800 employees at 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, one K-8 school, two comprehensive high schools, three specialty high schools and two alternative high schools. More information is available at antioch.k12.ca.us.
About the Author
Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].