San Jacinto College Goes Solar

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/25/21

San Jacinto College, located in the metroplex area of Houston, Texas, has announced plans to add solar electricity arrays to two of its buildings. The arrays, designed and installed by Sunfinity Renewable Energy, are set to lower the school’s utility costs by millions and contribute to better air quality in the area.

“Solar generation is just one part of the college’s commitment to improving our energy efficiency,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “We have always been a trusted steward of the community’s resources. These solar arrays are simply a visible reminder of that ongoing commitment.”

One of the arrays, a 391 kW solar system with 990 solar panels, will go into the Central Campus’ Anderson-Ball Classroom Building, slated to open in Jan. 2022. The building measures in at 122,000 square feet, and is notable for using foundations from previous campus buildings and as the largest educational building in the country made of mass timber.

The other array, a 263 kW system with 667 solar modules, will go into the Jones Building on South Campus. The Jones Building is currently seeing a $13M renovation project that started late last year and is scheduled to finish by fall 2021. Part of the renovations include updating the classrooms for peak period use.

“Sunfinity has helped a wide range of businesses reap the benefits of solar energy,” said Sunfinity Chairman and CEO John Billingsley. “That includes nonprofit and for-profit organizations, but bottom line – it’s about the bottom line. A ‘commercial’ solar system can return hundreds of thousands of dollars—even millions—that can go toward other priorities. We think San Jacinto College has made a wise decision in going solar, and we appreciate their confidence in us.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at mjones@1105media.com.

Featured

  • Minnesota District Completes Major Renovations, Expansions to High School

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced that it has completed the renovation and expansion of White Bear Lake Area High School, according to a news release. The school’s final addition, a new 845-seat Performing Arts Center, was finished in November.

  • Kimball International Launches Season 5 of Alternative Design Podcast

    Commercial furnishings manufacturer Kimball International recently premiered the fifth season of its Alternative Design podcast, according to a news release. The first episode was released on March 17, and new episodes will launch monthly. The podcast discusses forces that shape built environments, from work to housing to healthcare to human wellness.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Debuts Enhancements to DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education recently announced that DreamBox Math, an online math program for K–8 students to supplement core instruction, has been updated to improve accessibility for K–5 students, according to a news release. DreamBox Math provides personalized instruction by adapting to individual learners’ responses and providing an engaging, dynamic learning environment.

  • Studio G Announces Completion of New Massachusetts Elementary School

    The Groton-Dunstable Regional School District in Groton, Mass., recently announced the completion of a new elementary school, according to a news release. Florence Roche Elementary School measures in at 110,000 square feet and has the capacity for 645 students in grades K–4.