Walla Walla Schools Adds Solar Power for Electric Buses

Legacy automated check: the original source text was not preserved. These earlier verdicts have not passed the current publication checks and may contain errors. Source: original document ↗

• ✓
  Contractors began installing solar panels at Walla Walla Public Schools' Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative on August 5, 2026“Contractors installing solar panels for electric buses August 5, 2026 Contractors are busy installing new solar panels at the Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative to help power the district's electric bus fleet.”
• ✓
  The project is to power the district's electric bus fleet“The solar array will connect directly to the district’s existing electric bus charging stations, helping power Walla Walla Public Schools’ electric bus fleet with clean, renewable energy.”
• ✓
  The project is funded by a $601,756 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce Clean Energy Grant program“Walla Walla Public Schools was awarded a $601,756 grant through the Washington State Department of Commerce Clean Energy Grant program, partially funded by the Climate Commitment Act, to install a new solar array system at the district’s Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative.”
• ✓
  The project includes a 125.1 kW DC solar array“The project includes the installation of a 125.1 kW DC / 100 kW AC solar photovoltaic array on the bus roof shelters at the cooperative facility.”
• ✓
  The solar array is expected to generate 134,627 kWh annually“The renewable energy system is expected to generate approximately 134,627 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.”
• ✓
  Fiscal Services Director Janette Jeffris said the solar system will reduce utility costs for operating 18 electric buses by one-third“"This will cut utility costs to operate the district’s 18 electric school buses by one-third," said Fiscal Services Director Janette Jeffris.”
• ✓
  The project connects directly to existing charging stations“The solar array will connect directly to the district’s existing electric bus charging stations, helping power Walla Walla Public Schools’ electric bus fleet with clean, renewable energy.”
• ✓
  The project is scheduled for completion later this summer“The project is expected to be completed later this summer.”
• ✓
  The grant was partially funded by the Climate Commitment Act“Walla Walla Public Schools was awarded a $601,756 grant through the Washington State Department of Commerce Clean Energy Grant program, partially funded by the Climate Commitment Act, to install a new solar array system at the district’s Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative.”
• ✓
  The Climate Commitment Act supports climate action efforts through cap-and-invest funding“This project is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health.”
• ✓
  The system will help the district save on operating costs“District officials say the project will reduce operating costs while preserving funding for student learning and essential services.”
• ✓
  The system will help the district maintain funding for student learning and essential services“District officials say the project will reduce operating costs while preserving funding for student learning and essential services.”