The project, finished in time for the new school year, includes 590kW of solar power across five carports and six rooftops, along with four Level II EV chargers. The work was completed within 64 days, with full operation permission granted in 76 days, ensuring no disruption to the school’s activities.
Motive Energy's CEO, Bob Istwan, praised the project’s swift and efficient completion, emphasising the priority of not interrupting the students' education. Samueli Academy will benefit from a 30-year fixed energy cost and US$205,000 in first-year savings. The solar structures also provide shaded parking for staff, enhancing the campus.
Chris Simonsen, CEO of the Orangewood Foundation, highlighted that the initiative allows the foundation to reinvest savings into their youth programmes. Motive Energy will maintain the solar panels and monitor the system from its Network Operation Center in Tustin, CA.
