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• Walla Walla Public Schools received $601,756 in state funding to install a 125.1 kW solar array that will generate approximately 134,627 kilowatt-hours annually
• The solar panels will cut utility costs for the district’s 18 electric buses by one-third while supporting clean energy goals
• Installation will begin during summer break and connect directly to existing electric bus charging stations
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Walla Walla Public Schools will install a solar array system to power its electric bus fleet after receiving $601,756 through the Washington State Department of Commerce Clean Energy Grant Program.
The funding, supported by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, will allow the district to install a 125.1 kW DC / 100 kW AC solar photovoltaic array on bus roof shelters at the Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative facility. The renewable energy system is expected to generate approximately 134,627 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
The solar panels will connect directly to the district’s existing electric bus charging stations, helping power the district’s 18 electric school buses with clean, renewable energy while reducing operating costs.
“This will cut utility costs to operate the district’s 18 electric school buses by one-third,” said Janette Jeffris, fiscal services director for Walla Walla Public Schools. “This investment reflects our continued commitment to sustainability, energy efficiency and responsible stewardship of public resources while supporting long-term operational savings.”
The project builds on the district’s recent expansion of electric transportation options, which has grown through state and federal grant opportunities.
“Last summer we expanded our fleet to 18. So just about half of our fleet is electric. And so, we’ve been able to do that with grant funding primarily,” Jeffris said.
The district’s transition from diesel to electric buses has created significant cost savings beyond environmental benefits. Electric buses require less maintenance and fuel, resulting in substantial operational savings.
“We do save approximately two thirds to or one third to a half of our operation costs from diesel to electric. So that’s definitely advantageous. And then also, diesel buses have a lot of different components, filters and all these things that need constant replacement and maintenance, that we take care of in-house at our shop and, moving to electric. Those buses don’t need those pieces,” Jeffris said.
District officials said the transportation facility was originally designed with the possibility of adding solar panels in the future, making this project a natural fit as districts across the state work to reduce operating costs.
“It was built, designed to potentially put solar panels on it at some point. So that was part of the plan. And like I said, you know, really trying to drive down our operational costs is important to us. You can see a lot of districts across the state are really struggling with finances, and we are not immune to that,” Jeffris said.
Installation has not started yet, but the district plans to begin work during summer break when bus operations are less active.
“So we really. I always try to capitalize on summer. The buses aren’t as busy in the summer. We do have things going on, but, there’s not as much traffic moving in and out of the out of the bus barn,” Jeffris said.
District officials said the project will help preserve funding for student learning and essential services while supporting the district’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. Installation of the solar panels is expected to be complete before the start of the next school year.
The Washington State Department of Commerce Clean Energy Grant Program supports projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy adoption. Washington’s Climate Commitment Act provides funding for climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs and improving public health across the state.
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