The Kern High School District will start construction this summer on the largest school district solar project in the country.

Mike Hamlin is an assistant director of maintenance operations and says solar panels will be installed at 27 district sites, including at Arvin High School and the district’s west Bakersfield offices.

“There’s no out-of-pocket expense for the district,” he said. “This is being funded through a power-purchase agreement.”

Hamlin says the system will generate enough power for 5,300 homes.

The district will save about $2 million annually once the system is fully operational in 2016. First phase projects will start in July, and should be completed by October.

– Anthony Pollreisz