New solar array to cut electric bus utility costs by one-third for Walla Walla schools

WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla Public Schools has been awarded a $601,756 state grant to install a new solar array system to help power its electric school bus fleet.

The funding, provided through the Washington State Department of Commerce Clean Energy Grant program, is partially funded by the state’s Climate Commitment Act.

The project features a solar photovoltaic array on the bus roof shelters at the Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative. It is expected to generate about 134,627 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, connecting directly to existing charging stations.

Fiscal Services Director Janette Jeffris said the system will cut utility costs to operate the district’s 18 electric buses by one-third, reducing operational expenses and preserving more funding for classroom learning.

Photo courtesy Walla Walla Public Schools

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Elkhorn Media Group