en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District in California has completed a district-wide energy transformation project, deploying 3.5 megawatts of solar facilities across 12 sites, alongside implementing deep energy efficiency retrofits. With a total investment of $33 million, the project covers 14 campuses, serving 8,600 students.
The solar systems are primarily installed on parking lot canopies, generating clean electricity while providing shade in the high-temperature regions of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Additionally, the district has implemented comprehensive LED lighting upgrades across all 14 campuses, replaced aging heating and cooling equipment, and adopted advanced irrigation controls to reduce drought-related costs.
To fund the project without increasing the burden on taxpayers, the district secured financing through a lease-purchase agreement with Bank of America Public Capital Corp. at a fixed interest rate of 4.373%. Before changes to the net metering rules, the district ensured interconnection under NEM 2.0, allowing its solar output to receive higher compensation. It is projected to save $48 million over 20 years.
Solar generation data has been integrated into classrooms, where students use real-time production data for energy analysis and modeling in math and science courses. The district recently recognized student interns who participated in the project, connecting facility operations with STEM education practices.
The district plans to add battery energy storage systems to the existing solar infrastructure, having secured strategic grant funding through Southern California Edison. Once operational, the storage systems will store surplus daytime solar power for use during evening peak demand or as backup power during outages.
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