The Orange Unified School District (OUSD) has installed photovoltaic solar panels developed by Ameresco, Inc. The installations, located at seven schools in the district, will save an estimated $6.3 million over the next 25 years.
Solar panels ensure cost and supply stability
The systems were installed on the roofs and garage structures of four elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools, covering a wide educational diversity. This project is being carried out under a power purchase agreement (PPA) (PPA), under which Ameresco is responsible for the ownership and maintenance of the systems, while the district purchases the power generated at a fixed rate.
This modality protects the OUSD against the volatility of energy prices and guarantees financial stability in the long term.
So far, five of the seven solar systems are already operational. The remaining two high schools are scheduled to begin generating energy before the end of 2025. This initiative represents not only a cost-saving strategy, but also a concrete action towards energy independence for the school district.
Strategic alliances strengthen educational infrastructure
Isela Vazquez, OUSD’s Senior Executive Director of Facilities Planning, noted that the collaboration with Ameresco allows the district to focus on its goal of efficiency while prioritizing the educational well-being of its more than 25,000 students.
Lou Maltezos, Ameresco’s regional president, noted that this project illustrates how educational institutions can improve their energy infrastructure while reducing operating costs. The Massachusetts-based company maintains an active presence in North America and Europe developing solutions that combine efficiency, resilience and sustainability.
This progress adds to the district’s efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption, aligning with state policies on clean energy and contributing to the formation of environmentally responsible school environments.
Source and photo: Ameresco