Fullerton College has completed the installation of a new solar parking canopy system as part of its Earth Week celebrations. The project, developed in partnership with ForeFront Power, a recognized leader in commercial and industrial-scale solar and energy storage solutions, marks a significant step in the College’s ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability and reduce long-term energy costs.
Located in Student Parking Lot 5, adjacent to Sherbeck Field, the newly constructed solar array has a capacity of 1 megawatt-DC (MW DC). Over the next 20 years, this system is projected to save Fullerton College close to $6 million in energy expenses. The initiative is part of the College’s broader goal to transition entirely to renewable energy sources, reduce its environmental impact, and support campus-wide sustainability targets.
The solar carport system is expected to generate approximately 1.8 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity each year. This output is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of more than 300 homes and will cover roughly 19% of the College’s total electricity needs. In terms of environmental benefit, the system will prevent the emission of around 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. This reduction is comparable to removing 200 vehicles from the road, offsetting emissions from over one million pounds of coal, or matching the carbon absorption capacity of more than 900 acres of U.S. forests each year.
This solar installation serves as a pilot project for the North Orange County Community College District, setting a precedent for similar renewable energy initiatives across other campuses in the district. The foundation for the project was laid through a Solar Feasibility Study completed in 2021, which helped identify the optimal site and contributed to the planning process outlined in Fullerton College’s 2023–2026 Campus Sustainability Plan. The project was approved for development through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with ForeFront Power.
Dr. Cynthia Olivo, President of Fullerton College, said in a statement, “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, mentioned, “As a trusted renewable energy partner to California schools, ForeFront Power is honored to have the opportunity to help Fullerton College kick off the beginning of a decades-long journey towards transitioning to clean, renewable energy. By making clean energy more accessible and simplifying the procurement process, we’re helping schools like Fullerton College lead the way for other public institutions across California and beyond.”
The PPA enabled Fullerton College to complete the project without any upfront capital investment or the use of bond funding. Under the terms of the agreement, ForeFront Power will continue to own, operate, and maintain the system throughout the 20-year contract period. The College, in turn, will purchase electricity at a fixed, lower rate than conventional utility prices, securing predictable and reduced energy costs for the future.
The project was procured through the Renewable Energy Aggregated Procurement (REAP) Program, a service provided by SPURR (School Project for Utility Rate Reduction), a Joint Powers Authority comprising hundreds of California public education institutions. Through the REAP Program, Fullerton College was able to access competitive pricing, favorable contract terms, and expert support, ensuring the project’s success and alignment with the College’s long-term energy and sustainability goals.
