California District To Save $6.3 Million with Solar Power

California's Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) will install a 1.1-megawatt solar power system estimated to save $6.3 million in electricity costs over the next two decades.

The system, to be built and owned by SunPower as part of a power purchase agreement, will be installed on carports at Valhalla High School and will generate approximately 78.5 percent of the district's electricity needs.

"Any reduction in utility cost allows us to redirect limited resources to academic programs, faculty support, or additional facility upgrades," said Scott Patterson, GUHSD deputy superintendent, in a prepared statement. "SunPower's experience working with school districts, as well as the long-term performance of its technology were the primary reasons they were selected for this project."

"School districts work hard to maximize value from their limited resources. SunPower's power purchase agreements give districts the ability to enhance their operational budgets by providing competitive electricity rates and a hedge against potential utility rate increases, with no upfront capital investment," said Howard Wenger, president of business units at SunPower, in a news release. "It is extremely rewarding to help districts such as GUHSD to achieve significant savings while inspiring students with innovation and the great potential of solar power."

About the Author

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

Featured

  • 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.

  • chart with ascending bars and two silhouetted figures observing it, set against a light background with blue and purple tones

    Report: Enterprises Are Embracing Agentic AI

    According to a new report from SnapLogic, 50% of enterprises are already deploying AI agents, and another 32% plan to do so within the next 12 months..

  • zSpace Imagine Learning Solution

    zSpace Debuts Headset-Free AR/VR System

    Immersive learning company zSpace has announced the zSpace Imagine Learning Solution, a headset-free AR/VR laptop system designed for elementary education. The all-in-one platform integrates hardware, software, and hands-on lessons to create dynamic learning experiences for young students.

  • AI robot with cybersecurity symbol on its chest

    Microsoft Announces New Agentic AI Tools for Security Copilot

    Microsoft has expanded its AI-powered cybersecurity platform, introducing a suite of autonomous agents to help organizations counter rising threats and manage the growing complexity of cloud and AI security.