Small solar job a big deal

For Terra Verde Renewable Partners, the Cinnabar School solar panel job was the smallest project it had ever done. For the school, it was a big, big step into the age of technology.

The project, which will result in an estimated savings to the school of $20,000 a year in energy costs, was only possible through the foresight of its board and the cooperation of many partners.

It is being paid for through funds provided by a bond measure approved by the school district voters last year, combined with funds from the state Proposition 39.

Even with those funds, the one-school Cinnabar School District could only afford the project by working in cooperation with the Petaluma City Schools District that was doing a much larger Solar Panel project with Terra Verde.

“We were looking at ways to save on energy and we came to the conclusion that solar was the way to go,” said Cinnabar Board President Jennifer Elu. “This is going to help save money that we can use for educational programs and maintenance.”

“It was real fortunate for us that we could partner with the Petaluma School District,” noted Cinnabar School Board Member Ken Ishizu.

Terra Verde Renewable Partners, based in Larkspur, provided the panels. Installation was by PCI.

The solar panels, which double as shade for the school parking lot, are warrantied for 25 years, and there is a 10-year warranty on the labor.

The solar panels will provide 80 percent of the school electricity, but Terra Verde’s Rick Brown explained that because power from particularly clear days can be stored, it is estimated that the panels will be able to produce almost, if not all, the school’s power needs.

There are also side benefits to the project. Covering the parking lot provides protection for teachers during rainy weather and shade in the summer. The project also provides an education for the students.

“It fits right into our STEM curriculum,” Elu pointed out. “Terra Verde technicians will be coming into the classroom and explaining to the students how solar energy works.”

A grand opening for the new panels was held before the holiday break, with Cinnabar second-graders helping cut the ribbon to open a new chapter for the historic school.

“We are looking back to move forward,” said Elu.