A solar carport system financed through a Power Purchase Agreement to deliver long-term energy savings and shaded parking for a public middle school campus in Tucson, Arizona.
Project overview
Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School added a 379.96 kW solar carport system designed to generate on-site electricity for campus operations while providing shade for parking and outdoor circulation areas. The system supports daytime school loads and helps reduce energy cost volatility through predictable, contract-based power pricing.
379.96 kW
Solar Carports
Tucson, Arizona
The array is installed as a series of carport canopies positioned within the existing parking and drop-off zones, allowing the school to benefit from solar power without occupying open space or altering classroom or field areas. The dual-purpose structure delivers both renewable energy and a significant temperature reduction benefit in one of the hottest regions in the country.
The project was financed through SCF’s Power Purchase Agreement structure, which allowed the district to install solar with no upfront capital expenditure. Instead of purchasing the equipment, the school purchases the energy it produces at a predetermined rate, enabling long-term budget alignment while advancing district sustainability objectives.
- Carport-based system built over existing parking lot
- Financed through long-term PPA (no upfront cost to district)
- Designed to reduce utility spending over time
- Generates on-site renewable energy during school hours
- Creates shaded parking for staff and visitors
- No impact to fields, play areas, or rooftops
- District retains no ownership or maintenance responsibility
- Supports sustainability and operating-budget priorities
