IRVINE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TAKES POSITIVE ACTION

As reported by the Orange County Register 7-16-12, The Irvine Unified School District Board of Education voted to add vehicle shade structures with energy-producing solar panels to parking lots of nine campuses. This would save the district an additional $350,000 a year.

Board members voted 3-1 on Tuesday, July 10 to approve the second phase of Irvine Unified School District's ambitious solar initiative after removing three schools from consideration based on their proximity to local homes. Board president Michael Parham, who has spearheaded the district's pursuit of solar energy, voted in favor of the plan, along with Sue Kuwabara and Carolyn McInerney. Gavin Huntley-Fenner dissented after advocating for the structures at five schools, and Sharon Wallin was not in attendance.

"This is an historic step for the Irvine Unified School District, which is now poised to leverage one of the largest solar deployments of any public school system in the United States," Parham said after the meeting.

Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) is already saving about $220,000 a year from the first phase of the project, which in 2010 and 2011 added photovoltaic tiles to the rooftops of 13 schools and vehicle shade structures to the parking lots of two additional district facilities. Ty entering into a mutually beneficial power-purchasing agreement with SunEdison, the Irvine Unified School District paid no upfront capital costs. 

For additional Irvine School District information go to www.bobrealestate.com