Culver City School District Solar Panel Project Takes Shape

As part of the myriad of campus improvements occurring throughout the Culver City Unified School District this summer, the District's solar power projects are beginning to take shape. The solar array locations slated for development include Culver City High School, Farragut Elementary School and one in the parking lot adjacent to Culver Park High School.

According to a CCUSD press release, construction fences are now in place and drilling has begun to install the supports for the panel arrays.

The solar panels are designed to provide shade for students at Farragut Elementary School in addition to providing solar power for school district operations. According to CCUSD, this will reduce the district’s operating costs. The solar panels will also provide the District with an alternative energy source, and reduce its reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.

In order to accommodate the panels, some of the existing basketball hoops and the ball walls will be moved said Mike Reynolds, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, who added that steps are also being taken to preserve the fifth-grade Legacy Mural for relocation.

"The installation of solar panel arrays in the majority of our parking lots obviously creates a major challenge in terms of our ability to provide parking for all staff, students and visitors," Reynolds said. "We have worked out a good drop-off and pick-up procedure for the various summer programs operating within the area of Farragut Elementary School thanks to the efforts of Veronica Montes, the parents, and our security team."

The City of Culver City is working closely with the District to help ensure that an adequate parking and drop-off/pick-up plan is in place when school resumes on Aug. 26.