Fullerton College slashes energy costs by millions with new solar carport—find out how!

In a major leap towards its clean energy goals, Fullerton College has unveiled a 1 megawatt (MW) solar parking canopy system developed in collaboration with ForeFront Power. Coinciding with its Earth Week celebrations, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a new era of sustainability for California’s oldest community college. Designed to generate over 1.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity annually, the project is poised to cut more than 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, equivalent to removing 200 cars from the road.

The Student Parking Lot 5, adjacent to Sherbeck Field, now houses the expansive solar carport, setting Fullerton College on track to save nearly $6 million in energy costs over the next two decades. According to the College, this renewable energy system will offset approximately 19% of its total electricity consumption, providing enough clean power to supply more than 300 homes annually.

How Will Fullerton College Benefit from the Solar Carport System?

Fullerton College officials emphasized that the solar initiative aligns with the institution’s broader sustainability strategy, which envisions transitioning the entire campus to 100% renewable energy. Dr. Cynthia Olivo, President of Fullerton College, stated that after more than a century of operation, the institution was embracing the future through reliable clean energy solutions. She further highlighted that reinvesting energy savings into student success programs was a pivotal part of the long-term plan.

The environmental impact of the new system is equally significant. In addition to preventing 1,000 tons of CO2 emissions each year, the clean electricity output equates to offsetting over one million pounds of coal burned or matching the carbon sequestration capacity of more than 900 acres of U.S. forest land annually.

Why Was the Solar Carport Project Critical for Fullerton College?

The solar project serves as a pilot initiative for the North Orange County Community College District, demonstrating the viability and benefits of large-scale renewable energy systems across the district’s campuses. The project’s foundations were laid following a Solar Feasibility Study conducted in 2021. Building upon these findings, Fullerton College incorporated the solar carport development into its 2023–2026 Campus Sustainability Plan, ultimately pursuing the project through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ForeFront Power.

The PPA structure played a crucial role by enabling Fullerton College to implement the project without upfront capital expenditure or the use of bond funds. Under the agreement, ForeFront Power is responsible for developing, owning, and maintaining the solar system. In return, the College benefits from a fixed, lower electricity rate than traditional utilities, locked in for a 20-year term, providing budget predictability and protection against future energy price increases.

How Did ForeFront Power Partner with Fullerton College on the Solar Initiative?

ForeFront Power’s involvement was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. Nate Smith Ide, Senior Manager at ForeFront Power, expressed that helping Fullerton College launch a clean energy transition was an honor. He noted that simplifying the procurement and implementation process makes it easier for public institutions like Fullerton College to lead sustainability efforts across California and beyond.

The solar and energy storage portfolio was developed under the Renewable Energy Aggregated Procurement (REAP) Program, administered by SPURR—a Joint Powers Authority representing hundreds of public educational agencies. Through REAP, Fullerton College leveraged aggregated buying power and competitive solicitations to secure the best available pricing and contractual terms for the project.

What Is the Broader Impact of Fullerton College’s Solar Transition?

The successful execution of the solar carport project at Fullerton College underscores a growing movement among public educational institutions towards renewable energy adoption. As schools and colleges nationwide face mounting utility costs and increasing pressure to meet climate goals, Fullerton College’s model demonstrates how long-term energy savings and emissions reductions can be achieved without significant upfront investment.

Given California’s ambitious renewable energy targets, Fullerton College’s pilot project could serve as a template for other community colleges within the state, particularly those operating under budget constraints. By securing clean, affordable energy for decades to come, Fullerton College also positions itself as an environmental leader within the academic community.

About Fullerton College and ForeFront Power

Established in 1913, Fullerton College stands as California’s oldest continually operating community college. With a diverse array of more than 120 associate degrees and numerous certificate programs, it continues to prioritize innovation both in academic programming and operational sustainability.

ForeFront Power, headquartered in San Francisco with teams based across the United States and Mexico City, is a leading developer and asset manager specializing in community solar, commercial- and industrial-scale solar energy projects, and battery storage solutions. Having developed over 1,900 solar projects totaling more than 1.6 gigawatt-DC of renewable capacity, ForeFront Power brings deep expertise to public sector collaborations like Fullerton College’s solar transition.

Fullerton College’s Solar Move Signals Strong Positive Momentum

Although Fullerton College is not a publicly traded entity, sentiment around this project is overwhelmingly positive among sustainability advocates, local policymakers, and educational institutions observing the project’s potential scalability. Given current trends in renewable energy investments and public-private partnerships, Fullerton College’s success could spur additional initiatives across California’s public education system. In terms of broader market implications, companies like ForeFront Power, which facilitate such transitions through cost-effective financing mechanisms, are positioned favorably to capture growing demand within the education sector.