Capistrano Unified Could Save Millions, Thanks To Solar Panels

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA -- The Capistrano Unified School District has launched a process where it's adding solar panels at all six of it's high schools. The effort could save the District tens of millions of dollars on electricity costs.

The school district began the effort this spring with the installation of solar panels at the San Juan Hills High School, according to an article in the Orange County Register. The system is designed to generate about 1.5 megawatts of power annually, enough to handle about 80 percent of the school’s energy needs, according to the article.

The solar arrays, located in the school's parking lot, not only collect solar energy, but also provide shade for parked cars.

The $20.6 million solar energy project is being financed by bond sales. The bonds will be paid off with the money the district will save on electricity costs, Burris said, which is expected to be $849,000 a year, or $21 million over 25 years.