QKArchiblog » Solar

American Canyon High School Goes Solar!

Amy — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:08:39 +0000

SPG Solar and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) successfully installed a 1 megawatt DC ground and rooftop solar power system at Napa Valley Unified School District’s, American Canyon High School. This system will generate up to 80% of the campus’ electricity at full occupancy and provide a savings of up to $17,000,000 over the next 25 years.

“Through the great partnership with Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) and QKA, this system will provide long term financial savings and hands-on learning for the students about the positive impact of solar power,” said Chris Robine, CEO and President of SPG Solar.

The over 4,000 American-made solar panels, mounted on the school’s roof and on a fixed-tilt ground mount system, will produce over 1.1 million kilowatt hours annually, equivalent to providing power to over 105 average American homes annually.

American Canyon High School has been certified by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) – a green building rating system for K-12 school, similar to LEED for Schools. American Canyon High School is the highest ranking CHPS verified school in California.

“The new solar power system at American Canyon High School is an excellent example of NVUSD’s leadership. By building upon the sustainable design of their campus and showing their commitment to the environment the District will save a significant amount of money that can now be used for educational purposes,” said Aaron Jobson, Principal at Quattrocchi Kwok Architects.

At the ribbon cutting celebration Wednesday November 16th, Bill Orr, Executive Director of CHPS was on hand to present the CHPS verified plaque to Principal Mark Brewer and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sweeney. In honor of this green building certification, Melissa Rodezno, an aide to Congressman Mike Thompson, presented the District with a Congressional Recognition certificate.

Solar Project Receives Gold Resolution

Amy — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:43:11 +0000

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has commended the West Sonoma County Union High School District and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects for their innovative solar project by presenting the project with a Gold Resolution. The 843kW solar power system will provide 80% of the power needs of the District’s three schools: Analy, El Molino and Laguna High Schools. Project consists of 70% elevated solar arrays and 30% ground mounted arrays. The project will not only reduce the District’s carbon footprint and result in energy savings of over $250,000 per year, but will also take advantage of the California Solar Initiative, which will gain the District another $1,200,000 over the next five years. In addition the project provides an educational demonstration for the community and will guide solar curriculum for the District. Fifth District Supervisor Efren Carrillo presented the Gold Resolution at El Molino High School last month and will be speaking again at Analy High School’s ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., Wednesday, November 9th at Analy High School – 6950 Analy Ave. (north student parking lot/easy parking lot access from High School Road), Sebastopol. Join us!

State Superintendent at Aragon High School

Amy — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:12:10 +0000

State Superintendent Tom Torlakson announced the recommendations of his Schools of the Future Team at a ceremony to dedicate a 3.72-megawatt solar power system installed at QKA project; Aragon High School and the five other campuses in the San Mateo Union High School District. QKA’s work includes the design and installation of solar PVs at each of these campuses and Mark Quattrocchi was on hand to deliver a few remarks at the dedication this morning. Read the media coverage here.

Solar in San Mateo

Amy — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:12:43 +0000

QKA is working with San Mateo Union High School District to install photovoltaic (PV) systems at six of its high school campuses (Hillsdale High School featured above). The PV systems totalling 3.6 megawatts, will help the District lower it’s $1.1 million annual electricity bill.

This project was the cover story in Western Roofing magazine’s Nov./Dec.2010 issue. QKA Project Architect Nick Stephenson’s quote from the article says it best—”For QKA, it is gratifying to work on a project where the commitment to solar energy is the centerpiece.”

Teaching Tool – Photovoltaic Monitoring at Mendocino K-8

Amy — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:56:50 +0000

This web based K-8 Photovoltaic monitoring system is a remarkable display that shows current and historic PV panel output for the school. The display translates the energy production to its environmental benefits–a real time teachable moment for students. Since this is web based it can be displayed anywhere on campus.

Solar Schoolhouse Forum – Powering Schools with Sunlight

Amy — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:39:05 +0000

QKA is a proud sponsor of the Solar Schoolhouse Forum on March 26th at Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park. In addition, QKA Associate Aaron Jobson will be a guest speaker for a panel discussion. Join school board representatives, adminstrators, facilities personnel, curriculum specialists, and teaching staff as we explore the major opportunity solar electric systems provide. You’ll find tips and tools on how to reduce utility costs, write RFPs and contracts, pros and cons of financing models and how to leverage solar electric systems as teaching tools.

For information on how you can attend this informative event, please register online by March 10th.