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A new plan to install solar power systems in 26 LAUSD schools will help schools create less pollution – and it should save the district $775,000 within a year of installation, according to a SolarCity press release.

The 7.4-megawatt clean energy project, which will be installed by SolarCity, is expected to save LAUSD $25 million over 20 years.

Solar power systems have already been installed in 17 schools; the other nine systems will be installed in early 2013. LAUSD did not respond to LA School Report’s question of much the solar project will cost the district.

The solar systems will also serve as educational tools for students, allowing them to track how much solar energy their schools produce.

In a 2007 school board resolution, LAUSD announced its plan to become “the most sustainable and environmentally-friendly urban large school district in the country” by installing 50 megawatts of solar power by 2012. Due to funding problems, LAUSD was forced to revise its solar project goal to 20.9 megawatts by 2013.