Green Sustainability Programs: Oxnard Union High School District

Case Studies/Community Programs Oxnard Union High School District

Energy Action in the Community: Oxnard Schools Reduce GHG Emissions and Save Money with Solar Arrays 
In an effort to save money on energy costs, and protect the district’s general fund, Oxnard Union High School District in Ventura County is going green with solar panels.

Spending an average of $24,000 per month on electricity, Oxnard High School is the first of six schools in the county that will have solar arrays installed on their grounds. Oxnard High’s ground-mounted installation lies on six acres in a field behind the school and is expected to significantly decrease its energy bills, which total $300,000 a year. The district was able to take advantage of funding provided by Federal Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and bond measures approved by taxpayers in 2004, to install solar arrays at six of its area high schools. In addition, the systems are eligible to receive $6 million in California Solar Initiative rebates, payable over the first five years after the systems’ installation. In total, the six systems are expected to generate 6 million kW per year and save $36 million in energy costs over the next 25 years. This will allow the district to repay the $25 million project costs in no more than 15 years, an economic gain for the district since the systems are guaranteed for 25 years and have a useful life expectancy of 35 to 40 years.