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Paramount Unified approves $17.7 million districtwide solar program contract
Summary
The Paramount Unified School District board approved a contract for a districtwide solar photovoltaic and EV-charging program, citing projected energy savings and federal tax credits. The contract and related resolution passed unanimously.
Paramount Unified School District on July 24 approved a contract to design and build a districtwide solar photovoltaic system and install electric vehicle charging stations at multiple campuses.
The board voted 5–0 to adopt Resolution 24-10 and authorize an energy conservation services contract with the firm identified in the meeting transcript as Wan/Wen Engineers and Constructors (DBA noted in the agenda). Colton Gorman and Benjamin Lavoy, the presenters from Wan/Wen, described a proposed 2.2‑megawatt solar PV system across 11 sites and EV chargers at eight sites.
Why it matters: District staff said the program is intended to reduce utility and operations costs and greenhouse-gas emissions while providing hands-on learning opportunities for students. Presenters told the board the district currently spends about $1.57 million per year on electricity and that the project would reduce carbon emissions by about 2,000 metric tons.
Details presented at the meeting included a projected $17.7 million capital investment, an estimated $34 million in gross savings over the project’s life, and roughly $2.4 million in net savings projected over 30 years. Presenters also said the district could receive about $4.1 million in federal investment tax credits tied to the Inflation Reduction Act. The plan described site selection, a geotechnical analysis in progress and additional opportunities to pursue grants and incentives.
Board members who spoke during the meeting welcomed the program, noting solar had been discussed in prior years and expressing relief that the project was advancing this year. No members of the public submitted a comment card for the solar hearing.
What’s next: With the contract approved, district staff will proceed with design, site work and interconnection planning; presenters said further steps include finalizing interconnection and grant/incentive capture.
The board’s vote to approve the contract was recorded as yes from Board member Quenta, Board member Delon, Board member Martinez, Vice President Anderson and President Cruz (5–0).
