The Irvine Unified School District is on the verge of a significant growth spurt. Over the next decade, the district is expected to swell from 27,000 students to as many as 39,000, representing a 44 percent spike in enrollment.

As we mentioned a few weeks back, the Irvine Unified School District is working with corporate partners to install solar panels at a number of sites, and some are nearing completion.

Vehicle shade structures outfitted with energy-generating solar panels are quickly taking shape in the parking lot behind IUSD’s District Office, and rooftop solar panels may be coming soon to a school near you.

IUSD has generated plenty of buzz with its recent plan to partner with SunEdison and SPG Solar to establish solar panels atop 21 district sites – a move conservatively projected to save $8.5 million in energy costs over 20 years.