Citrus College will build solar panels on campus in 2019.
The Citrus College trustees chose the project to incorporate sustainable practices on campus in 2018-19 Strategic Plan.
The Citrus Strategic Plan says the college will pursue a minimum of two funding opportunities for efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning, lighting and alternative power.
“The college is initiating the program as part of the sustainability effort on campus,” said Fred Diamond, director of Facilities and
Construction. “The design of the solar system, once completed, will have minimal to no impact on student parking.”
The architects in charge of construction are Westberg and White. Vice President of Financial Services, Claudette Dain said the solar project is in its design phase.
“Actual costs are not yet known as the project is still in the design phase,” Dain said in an email. “Also, because the project is still in the design phase, implementation timelines are also unknown at this time.”
Once the design is completed by the architects, contractors will bid on it.
After drawing the contract the
college will develop a building
schedule.
“Regarding solar panels, Citrus College underwent a feasibility study, conducted by energy engineering consultants Newcomb, Anderson, McCormick, in 2016,” Dain said. “As a result of that study, viable options were identified which included a ground mount system as well as parking shade structures.”
Citrus will build solar paneled parking shade structures in the S2 parking lot.
“Viability was based on a number of factors including the condition of the location and its ability to bear solar panels, ideal locations in terms of maximizing solar viability, and financial projections to produce a
favorable return on investment,” Dain said.
Citrus College implemented the Advanced Power Management Devices program in November 2017.
Willdan Energy Engineer Luis Cecco said construction relies on state grant monies.
“The program is funded by the California Energy Commission,” Cecco said. “The grant pays for the cost of the power management devices and for the installation and evaluation efforts by Willdan and the California Conservation Corps.”
The college will receive grant revenues or utility rebates and incentives of about $750,000, and could have a 10 percent reduction in total kilowatts
