CITY OF INDUSTRY – The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District community celebrated the installation of solar panels throughout the District with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Los Altos High School on Feb. 16, which featured a performance from the school’s jazz band and solar panel information and displays.

The Board of Education approved the 4 MW Solar Project and the Solar Energy Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in October 2019, which funded the design, installation, operation and maintenance of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems at the District Office, Willow Adult Education Center and the District’s four comprehensive high schools.

The Solar PV panels are expected to reduce the District’s electrical costs and provide shade from the PV arrays for vehicles. The systems will also lower reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity and are expected to provide enough clean energy to avoid the equivalent of approximately 4,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is equal to removing nearly 1,000 passenger vehicles from the road per year.*

“After extensive planning and preparation, we are excited to celebrate the completion of this Solar Project with the District community,” Board President Jeffrey De La Torre said. “This investment benefits our schools and improves the health of our community by improving the air quality and helping protect the environment.”

Hacienda La Puente Unified School District worked with Luminace, one of the largest providers of distributed energy solutions to commercial, industrial and public sector customers in North America. Luminace developed and will continue to own and operate the Solar Project, at no upfront costs to HLPUSD.

The ceremony was attended by Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, Hacienda La Puente administrators, HLPUSD Board members and the greater community. Supervisor Solis presented the District with a certificate of commendation, recognizing Hacienda La Puente Unified’s efforts that benefit the residents of its District community. The District plans to explore the option of installing solar panels at other Hacienda La Puente elementary and middle school campuses.

“Thank you to the Board of Education, Associate Superintendent of Business Services Manoj Roychowdhury and Luminace for their ongoing commitment through the various phases of the Solar Project,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “The Solar PV Panels installation moves the District’s master facility plan forward as we strive to provide safe, high-quality learning environments that support student achievement.”

* Avoided emissions calculations are based on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates.

PHOTO CAPTION:

HLPUSD_RIBBONCUTTING1: From left to right: Los Altos High School Principal Jeff Hess, Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, Board Vice President Christine H. Salazar, Board President Jeffrey De La Torre, Board Member Stephanie Serrano, Associate Superintendent of Business Services Manoj Roychowdhury and Luminace’s Alex Smith celebrate the commissioning of the Solar Project at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 16.

HLPUSD_RIBBONCUTTING2: William Workman High School is one of the six Hacienda La Puente Unified locations to receive Solar PV panels, reducing electrical costs and reliability on fossil fuel-generated electricity. The solar panel installations were celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Los Altos High School on Feb. 16.

HLPUSD_RIBBONCUTTING3: From left to right: Board Vice President Christine H. Salazar, Board President Jeffrey De La Torre, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, Board Member Stephanie Serrano and Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez accept a certificate of commendation from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recognizing the District for its contributions to the community on Feb. 16.