Fullerton College has recently unveiled a state-of-the-art solar parking canopy system, coinciding with its Earth Week celebrations. This initiative, developed in partnership with ForeFront Power—an industry leader in solar energy solutions—marks a pivotal advancement in the college’s commitment to sustainability and long-term cost savings.
Situated in Student Parking Lot 5, adjacent to Sherbeck Field, the solar array boasts a capacity of 1 megawatt-DC (MW DC). Over the next two decades, Fullerton College anticipates saving nearly $6 million in energy expenses as a result of this project. The installation is part of a broader strategy to transition to renewable energy sources, reduce environmental impact, and achieve campus-wide sustainability goals.
The solar carport system is projected to generate approximately 1.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity annually. This output is equivalent to the energy consumption of over 300 homes and will cover about 19% of the college’s total electricity needs. Environmentally, the system is expected to prevent the emission of around 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide each year. This reduction is akin to removing 200 vehicles from the road or offsetting emissions equivalent to over one million pounds of coal.
This installation serves as a pilot project for the North Orange County Community College District, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives across other campuses. The groundwork for this project was established through a Solar Feasibility Study completed in 2021, which identified the optimal site and informed the planning process outlined in Fullerton College’s 2023–2026 Campus Sustainability Plan. Approval for the project was secured through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ForeFront Power.
Dr. Cynthia Olivo, President of Fullerton College, emphasized the importance of this transition: “After over a century of being in operation, Fullerton College is moving into the future by implementing clean energy solutions that will allow us to reliably produce clean energy, reduce harmful emissions, and reinvest energy savings into student success. What better time than during Earth Week to reaffirm our responsibility to the planet and future generations?”
Nate Smith Ide, Senior Manager at ForeFront Power, added, “As a trusted renewable energy partner to California schools, ForeFront Power is honored to help Fullerton College kick off a decades-long journey towards clean energy. By making clean energy more accessible, we’re helping institutions lead the way for others across California and beyond.”
The PPA enabled Fullerton College to undertake this project without any upfront capital investment or reliance on bond funding. Under this agreement, ForeFront Power will own, operate, and maintain the system for the 20-year term, allowing the college to purchase electricity at a fixed lower rate than traditional utility prices. This arrangement secures predictable energy costs for the future.
The project was facilitated through the Renewable Energy Aggregated Procurement (REAP) Program, managed by SPURR (School Project for Utility Rate Reduction), which supports numerous California public education institutions. This program provided Fullerton College with access to competitive pricing, favorable contract terms, and expert guidance, ensuring the project aligns with the college’s long-term energy and sustainability objectives.
Fullerton College’s solar parking canopy is not just an investment in renewable energy; it is a commitment to sustainability and a model for future initiatives within the North Orange County Community College District. As educational institutions increasingly leverage renewable energy, Fullerton College stands at the forefront of this vital movement towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
