Mitsubishi Electric photovoltaics light up Butte College

The project will save the college money over time, save on emissions and encourage students interested in renewable energy careers. By taking advantage of the California Solar Initiative rebate, Butte College was able to save nearly $700,000 of the total project cost.

Other solar projects on the campus include panels at the water treatment plan and a roof-mounted solar array on top of the facilities building. Together, the projects will power 10 buildings and save the college an estimated $40,000 a year in energy costs.

The college plans to complete the final portion of the solar projects this spring , with more panels near the Physical Sciences building and the Child Development Center. Once the additional solar panels are installed, about half the electrical needs of the college will be provided by solar.

“We commend Butte College for moving forward with their goals of becoming carbon-neutral by 2015 and are impressed with the college’s timely plans to incorporate solar energy into its curriculum,” says Gina Heng, director of sales and marketing for Mitsubishi Electric’s Photovoltaic Division. 

The solar electric system was designed and built by Chico Electric, an electrical company with more than 49 years of experience.  Chico Electric helped the school meet its goals for this project by donating a portion of the materials near the sewer treatment facility for educational use by students. Classes will assemble and disassemble the panels as training for future jobs in energy technology. The college will also have an educational kiosk on campus where students can see the real-time performance of the solar system and touch an interactive monitor that teaches them how solar works. 

Norm Nielsen, president of Chico Electric, said the industry is currently lacking people who are trained for positions that will be developing as interest in new energy sources grows.

The campus is already ratcheting up its “green classes” including launching a certificate in sustainability studies, and offering green building courses and workshops on the weekends. The solar panels will be used this semester to show students solar technology at work, just as the green buildings on campus are toured as part of the curriculum.

Josh Pierce, associate faculty member, explained that state and federal government energy policies are changing, and many studies are being conducted to find out where future jobs will be available. A solar tech program, for example, may be needed at campuses in the future.