Solar Project at UCSB Nearing Completion

The largest solar project in UC-Santa Barbara’s history is close to completion.

Crews are installing 1,800 panels on top of the parking structure near the Thunderdome.

The 2.6 million dollar project is being paid for by students.

“This is the by far the largest solar generating facility UCSB has built. It’s completely funded by our student body which is quite significant. It’s the first time in the country that students got together put a fee referendum on their ballot and decided to fund renewable energy at scale,” said Jordan Sager, of the Department of Utility and Energy Services.

Two former Gauchos proposed the 10-year referendum in 2010 and students voted for it.

Now, every student enrolled at the university pays an extra six dollars per quarter which will generate around 4 million dollars by 2020.

The power harnessed by the sun, is expected to be enough to offset the energy used by the Student Resource building and put some energy back into the university’s power grid.

“In effect, we’re removing pollutants from the environment. We’re creating our own renewable energy, essentially creating a resilience out here at UCSB. It helps set the example of what’s possible and raises the bar for everybody else,” said Andrew Riley, Sustainability Coordinator for Student Affairs.

The solar energy project is expected to be completed by November, and start generating power by the following month.