With support from the Community Environmental Council (CEC), Asteri Solar and California Solar Electric Santa Barbara Middle School (SBMS) has installed solar panels to its campus on Alameda Padre Serra.
The 56.550kW system of SunPower solar modules and SolarEdge inverters and optimizers are designed to offset 100% of the school’s annual electricity usage, integrated into the classic Spanish tile roof.
The school’s goal is to make its campus as green and sustainable as possible for future generations, while retaining the integrity and historic architecture of the building. The solar project represents one step among many toward this goal.
Other efforts on campus include organic and sustainable landscaping practices; rain catchments; art classes using reclaimed materials; and recycling programs. The SBMS kitchen utilizes sustainable cutlery and practices while being fueled by its student- and teacher-run vegetable garden and orchard.
There is a connection between the school’s environmental efforts and its curriculum. Math, science, the arts, and life skills all weave in aspects of the current global state and the environmental impact humans have on the world. The solar project offers opportunities for teachers to integrate further sustainability lessons into their classrooms, especially in math and science.
The system was activated on Jan. 5 as part of CEC’s Solarize Nonprofit program solarizenonprofit.org. The Solarize Nonprofit pilot program is designed to help local nonprofits go solar and run off renewable energy without an upfront cost.
Santa Barbara Middle School took care that the installation process was non-invasive, and historic care of the building was at the forefront of the project. The public view of the solar panels is mostly hidden, which ensures continued appreciation of the building’s architectural beauty.
SBMS thanks the CEC, Asteri Solar, California Solar Electric and Southern California Edison. Thanks also to Will Fredericks, Facilities Manager at Santa Barbara Middle School.
We would like to give special thanks to Abe Powell, an SBMS Board Member and parent, for his expertise and shepherding of this project. His help with the design, permitting, construction
quality, and keeping the project held to high standards was invaluable.
“It is so important for schools to lead by example and this solar project raises the bar on our environmental stewardship at SBMS. We are energized and filled with gratitude because, without the help of Asteri Solar and the CEC, this project would not have been possible,” Powell said.
For more about Santa Barbara Middle School, visit sbms.org.