Solar Energy Coming to Campus

March 20, 2026 - 02:34 PM

Mt. San Antonio College, following approval from the Board of Trustees, is moving forward with plans to install a solar energy system that will generate clean electricity on campus, reduce long-term energy costs, and strengthen energy reliability for both the College and surrounding community.

The planned system will produce 6.75 megawatts of electricity—enough to power thousands of campus operations—and will include a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to store energy for use during peak demand or outages. The BESS will be located near the College’s existing electrical house on the north side of Temple Avenue in Parking Lot D.

The project comes as the College faces rising energy costs. Since 2017, electricity expenses have increased by 133%, with the College spending nearly $6 million on electricity in the past year alone.

As currently designed, the system will feature canopy-mounted solar structures installed over existing parking areas, similar to those used at K–12 campuses. In addition to generating renewable energy, the canopies will provide shaded parking for students, employees, and visitors.

Site plans include Parking Lot B, Parking Lot F, and the Maintenance and Operations area behind Building 47 on the south side of campus.

Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, with completion anticipated by December 2027.