The San Jose Unified School District has embraced solar power in a big way, completing what's believed to be the largest K-12 solar and energy efficiency project in the United States.
Built in conjunction with Chevron Energy Solutions and Bank of America, the project includes 5.5 megawatts of solar power at 14 district sites and is expected to reduce the district's energy costs by more than 30 percent.
Energy cost reductions are expected to save the district’s general fund more than $25 million over the 25-year life of the project. The district was not required to provide any capital investment, allowing it to retain its capital budget for other infrastructure projects.
“San Jose Unified School District remains on the cutting edge of change, whether it is bringing state-of-the-art technology to our classrooms, best practices for teaching and learning to our staff and students, or, in this case, a solar and energy efficiency program that not only has a positive impact on our environment but also a positive impact on our budget,” said Superintendent Don Iglesias.
Chevron Energy Solutions designed, built, and operates the solar arrays for the district and provides maintenance for the solar energy system.
