Information provided by San Benito High School.
San Benito High School will hold a ceremonial flipping of the switch at the new solar PV system on Oct. 4 at 11:30 a.m. The ceremony will take place at the Baler Ally parking lot, located at 1220 Monterey Street, according to a press release.
Approved for grid connection on Sept. 13, the solar arrays were the last piece of the district-wide energy infrastructure project. They are projected to generate 1,096,578 kWh throughout their lifespan. According to the press release, the district will save approximately $13.3 million in energy costs with the solar arrays, along with other facility upgrades. The environmental savings are equivalent to 220 cars off the road, 157 Hollister homes powered and 31,348 trees preserved.
“We are proud to implement energy efficient and renewable technologies so our students can enjoy day-to-day learning,” Superintendent Shawn Tennenbaum said. “These solutions will maximize long-term benefits to our district, ensuring optimal learning and working environments for our students and staff to continue to succeed.”
Said Principal Adrian Ramirez: “The work we’ve accomplished through our partnership with Climatec has already had a huge impact on our school. We couldn’t have predicted the feeling our administration is experiencing now that the project is done. We’re proud to offer our students and staff modernized technology that reaps environmental and financial savings.”
The district contracted with Climatec, a provider of building technologies and energy solutions, for $6.3 million worth of energy infrastructure updates, according to the press release. That included the installation of the solar PV system, LED light modernizations, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) units, and building automation systems throughout the campus. Climatec helped SBHS identify and leverage Prop 39 grants and clean renewable energy bonds for funding. The district’s Board of Trustees approved the project in June 2017.
“San Benito High School administration decided on upgrades that would improve the student learning environment and the school’s financial reserves,” said Robert Reading, SBHS project manager at Climatec. “As partners, they contributed to the visioning that has resulted in an enhanced campus that will continue to add value over time. At Climatec, we’re always moved by our clients’ interest in innovating for a healthier world—San Benito High School is no exception.”
