Hayward Unified School District’s Clean Energy and Electrification Program

The Challenge

Deliver long-term energy savings, modernized facilities, and healthier learning environments, while creating a scalable foundation that supports future capital planning and bond-aligned investments

Project Overview

Serving more than 20,000 students across 33 campuses in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hayward Unified School District partnered with OPTERRA to reduce escalating utility costs, improve facility performance, and modernize aging infrastructure. The district implemented a comprehensive program integrating solar energy, battery storage, electric vehicle charging, and HVAC improvements to deliver measurable savings, strengthen operational resilience, and support healthier learning environments.

Aerial view of a Hayward Unified School District campus with rooftop and parking lot solar installations following project completion.

Key Benefits

Energy

• Solar installations now generate approximately 90% of the district’s electricity needs.
• Battery energy storage reduces peak demand and optimizes energy use across campuses.
• Real-time energy dashboards provide transparency and operational insight.

Savings

• $65 million in projected savings over the life of the program.
• Incentives and grants helped offset capital costs, improving overall project economics.
• Predictable, long-term savings support financial planning and future capital decisions.

Community

• Facilities function as living laboratories, supporting STEAM education districtwide.
• EV charging stations serve students, staff, and the broader community.
• Improved indoor air quality supported a safe return to in-person learning.

Solar panel carport with electric vehicle charging stations at a Hayward Unified School District campus following completion of energy upgrades.

Energy Assessment and Strategy

OPTERRA conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Hayward USD’s facilities to identify energy, infrastructure, and operational opportunities, informing a phased, right-sized approach that balanced immediate needs with long-term flexibility. The assessment provided clear cost modeling and prioritized upgrades, enabling the district to modernize critical systems while maintaining alignment with broader facilities and financial planning goals.

Implementation and Funding

OPTERRA designed and delivered a turnkey program that included 5.3 MW of solar PV across schools and administrative facilities, 360 kW/720 kWh of battery energy storage across three sites, 38 EV charging stations at 22 locations, and districtwide HVAC audits, ventilation improvements, and MERV-13 filtration. The program leveraged available incentives, including California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program and regional air quality grants, to reduce upfront costs and improve overall value while delivering measurable, performance-based improvements.