College of the Redwoods Approves Solar Deal -- Spaces4Learning

Higher Ed

College of the Redwoods Approves Solar Deal

By Dian Schaffhauser
10/22/20

A community college in northern California has projected a savings of $4.2 million over the next 20 years from an implementation of solar. The College of the Redwoods Board of Trustees recently approved a proposal from ForeFront Power to install a 2.1 megawatt system and 500 kilowatt battery storage unit. The implementation will cover about three acres of open field on the campus, a third of the campus parking and the roof of a learning resource center.

College of the Redwoods

When fully deployed, the solar power will provide about 90 percent of the power needed by the Eureka-based main campus. Construction will start after a feasibility study by utility PG&E is completed. That's expected to take about a year. Installation will take an additional three months.

The deal eliminates capital outlay. Forefront will design, construct, own, operate and maintain the grid. The college will buy its power from the company for a flat rate for the next two decades. At that point, the college district will take ownership of the system.

The agreement includes a performance guarantee. Should there be any period when the grid fails to generate sufficient power to meet the 90 percent threshold and the college has to buy additional power from PG&E, ForeFront will cover the difference in pricing.

The school also hopes to make the grid a "living lab" as part of its Solar Technology program, with students serving internships and getting fellowships. ForeFront will also give the school renewable education resources.

"The number of jobs in solar energy is rising exponentially in California, and this project will give our students real-word insight into the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this growing field," said Kerry Mayer, the college's dean of career education, in a statement.

"Our trustees know that expanding the use of solar power will not only provide a reliable energy source for the campus and a platform for additional academic programming, but it will also help mitigate the problems associated with climate change," added President Keith Flamer.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

E-Mail this page

Printable Format

Featured

How Physical Space Shapes the Mind: Designing for Better Learning Outcomes

Research in environmental psychology and neuroscience increasingly suggests that the way a room is designed can influence memory, focus, or even a student's sense of belonging.
Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.
Texas State University Completes Stadium Renovations

Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, recently announced that it has completed a series of additions and renovations to its football stadium, according to a news release. Formerly known as the Bobcat Stadium End Zone Complex, the Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center is an 85,000-square-foot expansion featuring hospitality spaces, banquet spaces, exterior concourses, and upgrades to the field house.
Illinois District Boosts Security at High-School Stadium

Richmond-Burton Community High School in Richmond, Ill., recently announced that it has completed the redesigned entrance to its high school stadium with a new focus on school security and community engagement, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers on the project as part of District #157’s year-long facilities master plan.