Encinitas Schools Go Solar and Declare Energy Independence

Construction of solar projects at six Encinitas Union School District elementary schools — Park Dale Lane, Capri, Ocean Knoll, La Costa Heights, El Camino Creek and Flora Vista — was completed over the summer by San Diego based Sullivan Solar Power. Those schools now join Olivenhain Pioneer, Mission Estancia and Paul Ecke Central in sourcing their power from the sun, supporting a district goal of retrofitting all schools with solar power by 2019.

The estimated 25-year savings from the combined 1.27 MW-AC solar project is $21,026,832.

“While we expect to see financial savings, the installation of these solar panels allows us to do much more than merely save money on electricity,” said EUSD Superintendent Dr. Timothy Baird. “We see this as an opportunity to lead by example with finding tangible ways to give our students a brighter future.”

Work on the solar projects was recently completed by the San-Diego based Sullivan Solar Power. The solar systems consist of industry-leading SunPower solar panels and American-made SMA America inverters, which will assist the district in achieving its clean energy goals. The installation will provide local greenhouse gas reduction benefits, offsetting over three million pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

“We are proud to help Encinitas Unified School District declare energy independence, allowing the district to reinvest solar savings in their students, supporting a brighter future for our next generation,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power. “This is our largest solar project in our 12 years in business, which showcases the district’s leadership and commitment to reduce fossil fuel consumption.”
These solar projects were overseen by Balfour Beatty, a leading general contractor and green builder that has partnered with EUSD on several other sustainability projects.

“We’re excited about the results of this work with Sullivan Solar Power for the Encinitas Unified School District, in addition to several other sustainable, green building projects being implemented throughout the district,” said Brian Cahill, president of Balfour Beatty’s California division. “Congratulations to the project teams, the district and the entire community on the successful delivery of this 1.27 MW solar project.”