Background

In partnership with Opterra Energy Services (formerly known as ENGIE), the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District (YCJUSD) has launched a comprehensive district-wide solar photovoltaic project. Following board adoption in early 2024, the initiative focuses on installing solar shade structures across 12 district sites to promote sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

Sustainability & Financial Impact

The project is designed to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits over the next 25 years:

• Net Energy Savings: The district expects to generate over $40 million in net electricity bill savings.

• Reduced Consumption: District facilities will reduce annual energy consumption by 7,949,260 kWh.

• Environmental Equivalent: This reduction is equivalent to eliminating 4,814,449 miles driven by an average gasoline-powered vehicle each year.

Project Timeline and Group Implementation (click on bolded "Group X" for access to the group newsletter)

Construction is being managed in designated groups to minimize campus disruption. Each site typically requires 10 to 12 weeks for completion.

• Group 1 (March 19 – July 2, 2025): Included Competitive Edge Charter Academy, Ridgeview Elementary, and Valley Elementary.

• Group 2 (May 21 – August 22, 2025): Included Park View Middle School, Green Valley High School, and Wildwood Elementary.

• Group 3 (July 9 – October 27, 2025): Included Dunlap Elementary, Calimesa Elementary, and Oak View High School.

• Group 4 (September 3 – December 3, 2025): Included Chapman Heights Elementary and Mesa View Middle School.

• Yucaipa High School (November 10, 2025 – March 20, 2026): This site is undergoing a two-phase installation, which began in late 2025.

These solar arrays will become visible features on district campuses, serving as both a source of clean energy and an inspirational learning opportunity for students.

Strategic Advantage: NEM 2.0

A cornerstone of the project’s financial success is the district’s qualification for Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0. By proactively submitting the application before the April 13, 2023, deadline, the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District successfully grandfathered itself into this highly favorable utility program.

What is NEM 2.0? NEM 2.0 is a utility billing program that allows the district to receive full retail-rate credit for any excess energy our solar systems export to the power grid.

• Full Retail Value: Unlike newer programs that offer significantly lower export rates, NEM 2.0 ensures that every kilowatt-hour (kWh) we generate and do not immediately use is credited at the same price we would pay the utility for it.

• Direct Bill Offsets: These credits are applied to future power bills, directly contributing to projected $40 million in net electricity savings over the next 25 years.

• Compliance: To maintain these benefits, the district is committed to completing the project within the required three-year window, ensuring these savings remain secured for decades to come.

While the current solar installation provides significant immediate savings, the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District is already looking toward a more resilient future. The district is preparing for the next phase of its energy evolution: the integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

• BESS Integration: In future developments, the district plans to add BESS technology to its existing solar infrastructure. This system will allow the district to store excess clean energy generated during the day and deploy it during peak evening hours or during utility outages, further driving down costs and ensuring campus reliability.

• Grant Funding Success: This expansion is made possible through a strategic grant received via So Cal West Coast Electric. By securing external funding, the district continues its commitment to "strong fiscal stewardship," ensuring that advanced sustainability upgrades do not place an additional burden on the local budget.

• Long-Term Vision: These future enhancements will build upon the current project's goal of reducing energy consumption by over 7.9 million kWh annually. By combining solar generation with battery storage, YCJUSD aims to maximize its environmental impact—already equivalent to removing over 4.8 million miles of gas-powered driving every year—while pushing toward total energy independence.

This roadmap ensures that YCJUSD remains at the forefront of educational innovation, providing a real-world example of modern green technology for its students and the community.

Have any questions regarding the project? Let us know by emailing Contact_Us@ycjusd.us or call 909-797-0174.