San Diego, CA
Keiller Leadership Academy (KLA) is a cornerstone of the Encanto community in San Diego, dedicated to fostering student leadership and academic achievement through a rigorous K-8 curriculum. For a public charter school, every operational dollar saved is a precious resource that can be directed back into the classroom to support student programs. In July 2020, Keiller Leadership Academy partnered with Stellar Solar Commercial to implement a sustainable energy strategy, transforming their campus rooftop into a powerful tool for financial stability.
Designing a solar solution for an active urban school campus requires a sophisticated understanding of educational loads, structural integrity, and architectural integration. Stellar Solar Commercial engineered a customized 19.75kW (DC) rooftop system that maximizes the school’s solar harvest while ensuring the highest standards of operational safety.
The technical architecture of the KLA installation features:
-50 SunPower SPR-P19-395-COM Modules: By utilizing premium SunPower technology, the academy ensured maximum energy density and long-term durability. These 395W high-output modules are widely recognized for their superior efficiency and robust construction, capturing every possible photon of the San Diego sun.
-3 SolarEdge SE6000 Inverters with Optimized Power: To manage the substantial power conversion, we utilized three optimized SolarEdge inverters. By pairing these with panel-level power optimizers, the system mitigates any performance loss from local shading or roof obstructions, providing granular monitoring and redundant reliability essential for a school environment.
-Operational Since 2020: Placed into service on July 31, 2020, this system has provided six years of reliable energy, shielding the academy from multiple utility rate hikes.
For a community-focused charter school, every dollar saved on operational overhead is a dollar that can be reinvested directly back into the student experience. Electricity is a significant, non-negotiable expense for any K-8 facility. By generating its own power on-site, Keiller Leadership Academy has effectively protected its budget from the volatility of the energy market.
In the 2026 energy landscape, where SDG&E rates for San Diego educational institutions have reached historic highs, the ROI of this 2020 installation is a major victory for the school. The clean energy produced on-site creates a permanent stream of savings that can be redirected directly back into the academy’s core mission, supporting:
-Student Leadership Programs: Enhancing the unique leadership and character development initiatives that define KLA.
-Classroom Technology: Funding for new learning tools, creative arts programs, and educational resources.
-Extracurricular Enrichment: Supporting the various clubs and activities that make the academy a vibrant community hub.
Since 1998, Stellar Solar Commercial has been the preferred partner for San Diego Unified and independent educational non-profits. We bring over 28 years of technical expertise to these public works projects, navigating the unique requirements of the Division of the State Architect (DSA) and ensuring that the installation process is as non-disruptive as possible.
Our in-house team handles the entire lifecycle of the project—from initial structural analysis to the complex utility interconnection and state-specific incentive programs for education. We specialize in “quiet-professional” construction, ensuring that the academic mission of the school remains the top priority throughout the project.
As we move through 2026, the strategy for educational campuses has evolved to include Solar + Battery Storage. For institutions like Keiller Leadership Academy, adding a battery system provides an essential layer of resilience, ensuring that critical administrative data, campus security, and student union facilities remain fully operational even during grid instability or regional power outages.
Stellar Solar Commercial continues to lead this energy revolution, helping San Diego’s educational leaders build a resilient, low-cost energy future. We turn school rooftops into powerful tools for sustainability and student achievement.
If your school or academy is ready to follow the lead of Keiller Leadership Academy and reclaim control over your energy future, contact Stellar Solar Commercial today at 866.787.6527. We provide comprehensive, free site evaluations to help your institution lead the way.