- Ameresco (AMRC, Financial) partners with LAUSD to implement solar projects at five middle schools.
- The initiative includes over 2.7 MW of solar PV systems and EV charging infrastructure.
- The project is part of a $20.7 million program supporting LAUSD's clean energy goals.
Ameresco, Inc. (AMRC), a renowned energy solutions provider, has announced a significant partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) aimed at enhancing energy sustainability and resilience. The plan involves the development and installation of over 2.7 MW of solar carport and shade structure photovoltaic (PV) systems at five middle school campuses. These projects will also incorporate electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, in line with the district's initiative to promote clean energy and reduce utility costs.
The $20.7 million bond-funded project will introduce solar PV shade structures and EV chargers to Northridge Middle School, Pacoima Middle School, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, Sun Valley Magnet School, and Sutter Middle School. This innovative effort will not only provide shaded parking facilities but also facilitate the adoption of EVs in alignment with city and statewide objectives.
In addition to the installation, Ameresco is committed to providing operations and maintenance (O&M) services, backed by a 25-year performance guarantee. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to equip 21 LAUSD schools with solar capabilities as outlined in the 2019 Clean Energy Resolution by the LAUSD Board of Education, which aims for 100% clean energy utilization by the year 2040.
The comprehensive energy program is projected to deliver significant economic benefits, with potential net cost avoidance estimated at $45.7 million when considering implementation, O&M, and performance guarantee costs. Furthermore, utility cost savings could amount to $168 million over a 25-year period, allowing LAUSD to reallocate these funds towards enhancing student achievement and other critical initiatives.
Ameresco's partnership with LAUSD reinforces the District's alignment with the City of Los Angeles' renewable energy goals, building resilience and equity across the region's energy landscape—a landmark move supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) LA100 Study.
