$20M Bond Will Fund Solar Shade, EV Charging for Five California Schools

Once again, EVinfo.net’s sunny, beautiful, forward-thinking home state of California takes the lead in clean transportation and clean energy projects.

Ameresco, Inc., a leading energy solutions provider, announced its partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to develop and install solar shade and carport structures at five middle schools across the district. This significant initiative is part of LAUSD’s broader effort to transition to 100% clean energy by 2040.

As part of this $20.7 million project, Ameresco is developing over 2.7 megawatts (MW) of solar carport and shade structure photovoltaic (PV) systems, along with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at five middle schools in LAUSD: Northridge Middle School, Pacoima Middle School, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies, Sun Valley Magnet School and Sutter Middle School.

“We’re looking forward to working with Ameresco to reduce the district’s carbon footprint and lowering our operating expenses for utilities,” said Alberto M. Carvalho, Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. “Our K-12 school communities will benefit not only from the recurring cost savings from these projects, but also from the firsthand experience watching energy systems of the future installed at their own schools. It’s a terrific way to prepare our students for the world they are going to inherit.”

The installations will provide shaded parking for faculty, staff, parents, and visitors, while also supporting California’s ambitious EV adoption targets through the new EV charging stations.

Ameresco is not only responsible for developing and installing the PV systems and charging stations, but will also provide ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) services, backed by a 25-year performance guarantee. These projects are a key component of a larger program to install solar power at 21 LAUSD schools, aligning with the LAUSD Board of Education’s 2019 Clean Energy Resolution to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040.

“Our team is always thrilled to have the opportunity to support school districts in their transition to clean energy solutions,” said Louis Maltezos, President of Central & Western USA, Canada Regions at Ameresco. “And, in light of the challenges faced by the community in and around the Los Angeles area during the recent wildfires, Ameresco is proud to partner with LAUSD to implement these clean, renewable energy projects that will provide direct benefits to the district while contributing to improved energy resilience in the area.”

The LAUSD solar PV program also aligns with the City of Los Angeles’ commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2035, a goal informed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) LA100 Study. This study highlighted the importance of deploying wind, solar, and storage technologies to modernize the city’s electricity infrastructure, improve grid resilience, and ensure equitable participation and outcomes.

Beyond environmental benefits, these solar and EV projects offer substantial financial advantages. For the 21-school program, the net cost avoidance—including implementation, O&M, and performance guarantee—is projected to reach up to $45.7 million. Utility cost savings across the program’s 25-year term are expected to amount to as much as $168 million, providing critical relief to LAUSD’s general fund and enabling greater investment in student achievement and core district initiatives.

Ameresco, founded in 2000, has a long track record of partnering with public and private sector organizations to help reduce energy costs, improve resilience, and decarbonize to net zero. With over 1,500 employees in North America and Europe and headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco’s expertise spans smart energy efficiency solutions, infrastructure upgrades, and the development, construction, and operation of distributed energy resources.

For more information about Ameresco’s comprehensive clean energy solutions, visit Ameresco.com.

EVinfo.net’s Take: Why Solar Power and EV Charging are Important for Schools Nationwide

Installing solar panels allows schools to generate their own electricity, significantly reducing utility costs over time. This creates budget relief that can be redirected toward educational programs, student support services, and campus improvements. As seen in the LAUSD project, these savings can be substantial—often totaling millions of dollars over a project’s lifetime.

Solar energy is clean, renewable, and carbon-free. By generating power on-site, schools can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and support broader climate goals. This demonstrates environmental stewardship, aligning with student and community values and inspiring the next generation to be sustainability leaders.

Solar installations provide real-world learning opportunities for students. Schools can incorporate solar and EV charging systems into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curricula. Students can learn about how solar panels work, the science behind renewable energy, and the importance of sustainability—turning the campus into a living laboratory.

Solar power can help schools build resilience to power outages and energy price spikes. Coupled with battery storage, solar systems can support backup power for critical loads during emergencies, ensuring safety and continuity of school operations.

EV charging infrastructure on campuses supports the growing adoption of electric vehicles among staff, parents, and community members. This aligns with state and city goals to expand EV use, reduce air pollution, and improve public health. Providing on-site charging can also help schools attract and retain top-tier staff who drive electric vehicles, giving these schools a hiring advantage over other schools that do not offer workplace EV charging.

By investing in clean energy and EV infrastructure, schools lead by example in their communities. This sends a powerful message that sustainability is a priority and that equitable access to clean energy and electric transportation is part of building a better future for all students and families.

EVinfo.net commends LAUSD, Ameresco, and the state of California for their forward-thinking progress in supporting EV charging and solar energy, making California a better and healthier place to live. We hope schools around the United States and the world follow this excellent example, reaping the tremendous cost-saving benefits.

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