DJUSD Solar Initiative

Planning a brighter future for our students and community.


The Board of Education believes that all citizens have a responsibility to be stewards of the environment and recognizes the role of public education in supporting environmental education and sustainability. The Board celebrates and promotes practices that conserve natural resources, reduce the impact of District operations on the environment, educate youth and protect the health of students, staff, and community.

- DJUSD Board of Education, June 20, 2019



On June 20, 2019, the DJUSD Board of Education passed the 
Call to Climate Action Resolution supporting the District’s commitment to environmental education, sustainability and the continuing expansion of District-wide efforts to improve the energy efficiency of DJUSD schools.

On February 6, 2020, the Board of Education entered into a partnership with ARC Alternatives to help DJUSD develop a Solar Master Plan. One of the primary goals in the Solar Master Plan is to offset 80% of the District’s energy use through photovoltaic energy production (with solar panel arrays on most DJUSD campuses), a goal that exceeds CalGreen and Title 24 State requirements. The installation of photovoltaic solar panels is a key step in our effort to expand renewable energy sources in DJUSD and at your neighborhood school site.

Why Solar Energy is the Right Choice for DJUSD


It’s a good financial decision! Solar systems can be installed with no upfront capital investment from the District while returning annual savings from lower utility bills.

Environmentally, it’s the right thing to do. DJUSD is committed to environmental stewardship, and strives to make the world a cleaner and safer place for its students and the greater community. Implementing solar enables the production of clean energy and reduces carbon emissions which pollute the environment. Carbon reduction is a priority for the District and also aligns with the emissions targets mandated by the state of California.

It provides opportunities for learning. What better time to learn about solar, than when you’re watching it be installed in your community? Virtual outreach presentations will be held, educating both students and the broader community about this project.



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Determining the Best Solar Solution for DJUSD

Assessment
ARC Alternatives have conducted an assessment of how much solar the District needs based on projected energy consumption. These findings have been summarized in a Benchmark Report and shared with the District.

Development
Proposed solar layouts have been developed based on the Benchmark Report. These plans will go through a series of reviews with District staff and the Davis community to determine the best options for system locations on each campus. View your school site's virtual outreach solar presentation for further information.

Feasibility
A Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) is a financial arrangement in which a third-party developer constructs, operates, and maintains the photovoltaic (PV) system, and the school district agrees to site the system on its property and purchases the system’s electric output from the solar services provider for a predetermined period. This allows the school district the opportunity to receive stable and fixed cost electricity, while the solar services provider receives tax credits and income generated from the sale of electricity.

  • The Existing DJUSD solar arrays at DSHS, Harper Junior High, and Korematsu Elementary schools are operated under an SPPA

  • Avoids significant capital expense to DJUSD

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