In partnership with TotalEnergies, Crafton Hills Community College has completed a 2.3 megawatt (MW) solar project equipped with battery storage to officially achieve its status as a net zero campus.
The project features fixed tilt ground-mounted panels and a battery storage system, which captures excess solar energy during the day and stores it for use during peak demand times. Together, the solar-plus-battery system produces 100 percent of the college’s energy needs.
“This solar farm is a testament to our commitment to maximizing our resources and environmental responsibility,” said Diana Z. Rodriguez, Chancellor of the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD). “The savings will allow us to reallocate funds to the classroom, directly benefiting our local students.”
In addition to reducing strain on the power grid and helping prevent blackouts during heat waves, the system’s clean energy generation will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions— a reduction equivalent to avoiding the consumption of 327,101 gallons of gasoline annually.
The project was made possible by Measure CC, a $470 million bond initiative approved by local voters in 2018 to modernize and enhance facilities at Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College. The Board of Trustees approved the solar project’s construction in October 2021, reflecting SBCCD’s commitment to a sustainable future.
SBCCD plans to continue integrating sustainable practices across the district, further reducing its carbon footprint and promoting clean energy use.
The project, developed and built by TotalEnergies, positions Crafton Hills College as a leader in sustainable energy use, setting a positive example for other institutions and contributing to a more stable and eco-friendly energy grid.
Image credit: San Bernardino Community College District