Orange Unified School District and Ameresco, Inc., a leading energy solutions provider, are celebrating the completion of new rooftop and carport solar installations across seven OUSD campuses. Over the next 25 years, these systems are projected to generate $6.3 million in cost savings, supporting the district’s long-term sustainability and financial goals.

The project includes solar photovoltaic systems installed at four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. Through a power purchase agreement, Ameresco will own and maintain the systems while OUSD purchases the solar-generated electricity at a fixed rate for 25 years. This stable rate protects the district from energy price fluctuations and ensures predictable, long-term savings. Five of the seven installations are already complete, and the remaining two high school systems are scheduled to be fully energized by the end of 2025.

OUSD serves approximately 24,000 students across Orange, Villa Park, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and surrounding unincorporated areas. The solar initiative builds on the district’s broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency through sustainability measures, reduced fuel consumption, and increased use of renewable energy.

“These projects demonstrate how schools can improve energy resilience and reduce costs at the same time,” said Lou Maltezos, President of Central & Western USA and Canada Regions at Ameresco. “We’re proud of our partnership with OUSD and look forward to continuing this important work together.”

For more information about OUSD's energy savings initiative, please visit https://www.orangeusd.org/departments/facilities-planning/energy-management