Solar for Schools in California
In Southern California, the sun is not just a source of warmth and light, but also a powerful ally in the quest for energy efficiency and financial savings.
Many schools across America, including those in San Diego, are increasingly harnessing solar power to cut down on electricity bills and invest more in education. The benefits are notable: reduced operational costs, educational opportunities for students, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Going solar really is a win on all levels for schools! But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a case study from one of our customers.
Let’s take a closer look at how our customer, King Chavez Preparatory Academy, is leading the way in this solar revolution.
Switching to Solar at King Chavez Preparatory Academy
King Chavez Preparatory Academy, located in the heart of downtown San Diego, is a charter school with a mission to bridge the educational gap between low and high-income families. Dedicated to providing resources and opportunities to underserved children, the school made a significant move to solar power to better allocate their financial resources towards enhancing educational outcomes.
In 2014, Stellar Solar installed a robust 33-panel solar system on the school’s flat rooftop. This 34.68 kW system was mounted using a ballast system, which secures the panels with concrete blocks instead of penetrating the roof. This innovative installation not only preserved the integrity of the roof but also ensured the panels were securely fastened.
The impact of this solar installation has been profound. The school has seen a dramatic reduction in its power bills, particularly during the hot summer months when air conditioning usage is at its peak. The savings from reduced electricity costs have been redirected to purchase new supplies and computers for students, directly enhancing the learning environment.
Want to see more? Check out their beautiful San Diego solar installation on YouTube and see their story in action!
– Number of Modules**: 33
– DC System Size (kW): 34.68 kW
– Install Year: 2014
– Monitoring: SMA-SB8000US
These details highlight the scale and capability of the system installed at King Chavez Prep. The system’s capacity ensures it meets a significant portion of the school’s energy needs, while the monitoring system provides real-time data on energy production and usage.
Financial and Educational Benefits of Solar
For schools like King Chavez Prep, the financial benefits of solar power are multi-faceted. High electricity bills, often exacerbated by extensive air conditioning needs, can strain school budgets. Installing solar panels can drastically reduce these costs and reallocate funds towards educational resources, extracurricular activities, and faculty development.
Actually, one cool benefit of solar is the educational benefit of the system itself! Solar installations provide a tangible, real-world example of renewable energy at work. Schools can incorporate solar energy into their curriculum, offering students hands-on learning opportunities about sustainability, science, and technology. Students can track energy production and consumption, turning the school into a living laboratory for renewable energy education.
Extending Solar Benefits to the Community
King Chavez Preparatory Academy is a charter school with a mission to bridge the educational divide between affluent and low-income families. Their primary objective is to offer resources and opportunities to underserved children who might otherwise lack access to such educational benefits. This mission resonated with us, and we were thrilled when they approached us for a solar energy solution.
We installed a 33-panel solar system with a capacity of 34.68 kW on their flat rooftop. The installation utilized a ballast system, which securely holds the panels in place using concrete blocks, thereby avoiding any roof penetration. This solar setup has significantly reduced, and in some instances, entirely eliminated their previously high electricity bills driven by air conditioning and other operational costs. The savings have enabled the school to redirect funds towards essential resources such as supplies and new computers for the students, thereby enhancing the educational experience for all.
Stellar Solar’s involvement doesn’t stop at the installation. We can also conduct educational meetings, such as Lunch-and-Learns, to inform parents and the wider community about the benefits of solar energy. These sessions often lead to special discounts for families who decide to install solar panels at home, further spreading the advantages of renewable energy.
Notable Commercial Installations by Stellar Solar
We have a strong track record in the commercial solar game. excels in designing and installing top-tier, efficient solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, leveraging equipment from the world’s leading solar manufacturers. We provide tailored solutions to meet diverse energy needs, backed by great customer service.
Notable clients such as the Salk Institute, Scripps Ranch High School, San Diego Cardiac Center, Loyola University, City of Anaheim, US Foods, Vandenberg Air Force Base, and Cedars-Sinai have trusted us for their solar installations, ranging from 7 kW to over 1 MW. With over 20 MW of commercial solar power installed, our dedicated team of project managers, engineers, electricians, and in-house installers ensure top-notch service. Since 1998, we have been specialists in commercial solar installations, offering expertise in financing, grants, tax credits, and incentives.
Costs and Incentives of Solar for Schools
There is an excellent financial climate for solar right now. Primarily, this is due to the federal solar tax credit, known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This credit allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal income taxes.
How It Works
The ITC applies to both residential and commercial solar systems with no cap on its value. For example, if your solar installation costs $100,000, you can deduct $30,000 from your federal tax liability.
Example Calculation
Initial Cost: $100,000
Federal Tax Credit (30%): $30,000
This amount is directly subtracted from your federal taxes.
Net Cost After Tax Credit: $100,000 – $30,000 = $70,000
In essence, the ITC significantly reduces the overall cost of a solar installation, making it a compelling investment with substantial financial benefits.
By leveraging this federal incentive, you can lower your initial investment, accelerate your return on investment, and enhance the financial viability of your solar project.
**Comprehensive Services**
Our services extend to securing grants, tax credits, and incentives. We stay informed on all federal, state, and local programs to minimize your upfront costs, presenting these options in a straightforward manner to optimize your savings.
Go Solar, Go Schools
The success of solar installations at schools like King Chavez Prep is a call to action for other educational institutions to consider renewable energy solutions. The financial savings are compelling, but the broader benefits to education and the environment make solar power an excellent choice for schools looking to make a positive impact.
Schools interested in exploring solar options should contact Stellar Solar for more information! With the expertise gained from numerous successful installations, Stellar Solar can provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each school, ensuring they too can reap the benefits of clean, renewable energy.
In conclusion, as more schools in San Diego and beyond wake up to the benefits of solar power, they are not only cutting costs but also investing in a brighter, more sustainable future for their students.
By embracing solar energy, schools can enhance their educational offerings, engage students in meaningful learning experiences, and make a positive environmental impact. The story of King Chavez Preparatory Academy serves as an example of what is possible when schools harness the power of the sun. Could your school be next? Get in contact and we will walk you through the solar options!
