Standard Solar Adds 21-Site Portfolio of Solar Canopies for California’s Long Beach Unified School District to Asset Portfolio

Solar canopy systems will reduce the “urban heat-island” effect, which lowers peak energy demand in warmer months 

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) in Southern California is taking a meaningful step in achieving its sustainability goals by adding solar canopies at 21 of its schools. Standard Solar, Inc., a nationally recognized leader in the development, funding, ownership and operation of commercial and community solar assets, is funding and will own and operate the portfolio of solar canopy systems. The project was developed in partnership with EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems.

Of the 21 school sites, 14 of them are now operational. The remaining will be completed by October.

“Standard Solar applauds the Long Beach Unified School District for taking this important step to reduce its impact on the environment,” said Shaun Laughlin, Standard Solar’s head of US Strategic Development, Partnerships, Project Finance and Acquisitions. “Adding these projects to our ownership portfolio directly supports our efforts to increase our deployed capital in the West.”

The solar canopy systems will help LBUSD achieve its sustainability goals. In the first year of operation, it will offset the CO₂ equivalent of approximately six million pounds of coal burned. Additionally, the canopy systems will help reduce the urban heat island (UHI) effect often generated in dense, urban areas such as those in the district.

“Clean energy is an essential part of our district-wide sustainability efforts. Our partnership with Standard Solar will help reduce our carbon footprint while saving the district millions of dollars over the 25-year agreement,” said Long Beach Unified School District Business Services Administrator Alan Reising.

“EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems is thrilled to be part of the 21 solar projects for the Long Beach Unified School District as the installing contractor,” said Robert Lake, President, EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems. “The overall project is in excess of four megawatts and consists of multiple solar canopies throughout LBUSD’s elementary school portfolio. In addition to generating power from a sustainable renewable energy source, the canopies will provide shaded areas for the students. We applaud LBUSD for their vision in implementing this aggressive project that will provide lower-cost, clean power for years to come.”

EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems is a leading mechanical and energy services company with operations throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada and is a subsidiary of EMCOR Group, Inc.

A UHI is an urban area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities. The solar canopies can minimize summertime peak energy demand, air-conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions.

About Standard Solar

Standard Solar is powering the nation’s energy transformation – channeling its project development capabilities, financial strength and technical expertise to deliver the benefits of solar, as well as solar + storage, to businesses, institutions, farms, governments, communities and utilities. Building on 16 years of sustainable growth and in-house and tax equity investment capital, Standard Solar is a national leader in the development, funding and long-term ownership and operation of commercial and community solar assets. Recognized as an established financial partner with immediate, deep resources, the company owns and operates more than 160 megawatts of solar across the United States. Standard Solar is based in Rockville, Md. Learn more at standardsolar.com, LinkedIn and Twitter: @StandardSolar.