Escondido high schools going solar

Escondido Union High School District is going solar with a no-money-down agreement to install solar carport systems estimated to save the district $13.4 million over the next 20 years. New solar carport systems will provide three-quarters of all district energy needs and be in place by Christmas, officials said.

“As a result of this agreement with SunPower, Escondido Union High School District will significantly reduce our energy costs, enabling us to apply the savings where they are needed, such as for enhanced academic programs or facility upgrades,” EUHSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Michael Simonson said.

SunPower, a Silicon Valley sustainable energy company, will build solar carport systems at each of EUHSD’s four sites. These were expected to generate two megawatts of solar power.

Carport solar panels were expected to save EUHSD $13.4 million over 20 years.

SunPower has installed solar power systems totaling more than 89 megawatts at 22 school districts across the California state. That’s the equivalent amount of power for almost 14,000 average California homes, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.

It is extremely rewarding to enable our public schools to achieve significant operational savings while inspiring students with the great potential of solar power.” said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units.

“As a result of this agreement with SunPower, Escondido Union High School District will significantly reduce our energy costs, enabling us to apply the savings where they are needed, such as for enhanced academic programs or facility upgrades,” Simonson said.

EUHSD features one of the county’s oldest schools, Escondido High, founded in 1894, as well as one of its newest campuses, Del Lago Academy, opened in Fall 2013. Over 7,800 students attend Escondido, Orange Glen, San Pasqual, Valley or Del Lago Academy.