San Benito, CA ​– To celebrate San Benito High School District’s (SBHSD) energy infrastructure update coming to a close, SBHSD invites our school community to flip the switch on San Benito High School’s (SBHS) brand new solar PV system from 11:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 4. The ceremony will take place at the SBHS Baler Alley parking lot, located at 1220 Monterey St. in Hollister, CA.

The solar arrays, approved for grid connection on Friday, Sept. 13, were the last piece of the districtwide energy infrastructure project. They are projected to generate 1,096,578 kWh throughout their lifespan. Combined with other recent facility upgrades, SBHSD will save approximately $13.3 million–the environmental savings equivalent of 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,” said SBHSD Superintendent Shawn Tennenbaum. “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.”

SBHSD engaged Climatec, a provider of building technologies and energy solutions with six offices in California, for $6.3 million worth of energy infrastructure updates, spanning the installation of the solar PV system, LED light modernizations; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) units and building automation systems throughout campus. With the help of Climatec, SBHSD identified and leveraged Proposition 39 grants and Clean Renewable Energy Bonds for funding.

“The work we’ve accomplished through our partnership with Climatec has already had a huge impact on our school,” said SBHS Principal Adrian Ramirez. “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.”
SBHSD’s Board of Trustees approved the project in June of 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, SBHSD 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.”

About San Benito High School

Based in Hollister, CA, San Benito High School serves as the main high school for Hollister City residents, as well as many residents of Hollister county. It serves approximately 3,000 students between 9th and 12th grades with 250 faculty and staff members. The school was founded in 1875.​ ​Visit the SBHS website​ to learn more.

RAMONA, CA - Ramona Unified School District (RUSD) celebrated its soon-to-come solar arrays with a groundbreaking ceremony at Ramona High School on the afternoon of Nov. 12. The installation of these solar panels, provided by Climatec, marks the last leg of the district’s comprehensive energy conservation program, a project that is projected to save $34 million over the next 30 years.

“The groundbreaking was the perfect way to celebrate the progress we’ve made and welcome the work to come,” said RUSD Superintendent Theresa Grace. “We are thrilled to power our schools with clean energy that’s saving money for us to invest right back into our students and teachers. Ramona Unified is looking at a brighter future than ever before.”

RUSD Board Vice President/Clerk Bob Stoody, Superintendent Grace, Ramona High Principal Tony Newman, RUSD Board Member Kim Lasley, RUSD Board President Dawn Perfect and RUSD Board Member Rodger Dohm (pictured from left to right) broke ground on the site.

About Ramona Unified School District

Ramona Unified School District is a rural district located approximately 30 miles northeast of San Diego. Serving a student population of approximately 5,400 students, Ramona Unified continues its pursuit of excellence while "Preparing Today's Learners for Tomorrow's World!"

BASS LAKE, CA - Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District (BLJUESD) invites its community to “Plug into the Sun” with a celebration of a new solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Wasuma Elementary School on Thursday, May 30. The ceremony will kick off at 3 p.m. in front of the Wasuma gym, located at 43109 Highway 49 in Ahwahnee, CA.

During the ceremony, BLJUESD will share the importance of the PV system to the Bass Lake community and flip the system switch to start the generation of renewable solar power to Wasuma.

“Everyone in our great district is excited about the solar project. We are joining the effort to ‘go green’ and reduce our global footprint,” said Randall Seals, superintendent of BLJUESD. “In addition to the environmental benefits of solar, we are looking forward to generating a savings on our utility services which will allow the district to increase much-needed direct services for our students and staff. Climatec has been a great partner during the planning and construction phases of the project and their dedication to us as a client has been outstanding.”

A project of a power purchase agreement between BLJUESD and Climatec Energy Services, the solar PV system offers greater environmental sustainability to the mountain area of Central California. Wasuma Elementary will receive renewable solar energy from the system, which is made up of 752 PV panels, seven AC/DC inverters and 14 combiner boxes. It is expected to produce approximately 600,000 kWh per year and close to 14,250,000 kWh over its 25-year life.

The project launched on June 28, 2018 and finished on May 16, 2019. The PV system entailed over 1,000 feet of underground directional boring from the school soccer field and parking lot to a point of interconnection on campus so as not to disrupt school programming throughout the construction period. The result is approximately 1 mile of underground high voltage wiring.

“We are thrilled to possess this resource right here in the Bass Lake area,” said Stella Pizelo, Bass Lake School Board president. “The PV system is just one feat toward powering our district and reinvigorating the area. Our goal is to continue educating ourselves, our students and our community about the benefits and means of clean energy. With the help of Climatec, we are on track to do just that.”

BLJUESD and Climatec will continue their partnership in an additional collaboration with the SunPower Horizons Program to educate BLJUESD leadership on solar PV. The education series will include lessons in solar science and energy efficiency, guest lecturers, mentors, webinars, advisors for solar curriculum and project and office tours. These projects will reap environmental savings equivalent to 26 less cars on the road, 14,121 gallons of gasoline saved, 3,703 trees preserved from deforestation and 19 American homes powered.

“As leaders in energy efficiency, Climatec finds it important to connect with local leaders on opportunities for enhancing their communities,” said Tyler Girtman, Bass Lake District’s account manager at Climatec. “We are inspired by Bass Lake School District to take on shifts in, not only infrastructure, but education. It is this type of thought leadership that is reshaping the world into a healthier, more vibrant place to live and enjoy.”

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About Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District
The Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District is dedicated to academic achievement and success for its pupils, donning the mission statement and slogan, “Every Child... a Promise!” The District serves schools located in the greater mountain area of Central California, including Fresno Flats Community Day School, Oak Creek Intermediate School, Oakhurst Elementary School and Wasuma Elementary School. Bass Lake students benefit from a “1:1” technology model in which they are allotted one Chromebook for each day of instruction from kindergarten to 8th grade. Students receive a first-class educational experience in Bass Lake schools, one that provides a strong foundation for future success in high school and beyond.