The Merced City School District is excited to share that work is now underway on the first of seventeen new solar arrays that will be located at ten thoughtfully select sites across the district. We would also like to provide some information about what you can expect in the coming months to keep all stakeholders informed and aware of the progress.
MCSD secured grant funding through the California Clean Energy Jobs Act (Proposition 39) to pay for these solar arrays as well as air conditioning and lighting upgrades at Burbank, Gracey, Muir, and Reyes elementary schools. The HVAC and lighting upgrades are scheduled to be completed during the summer of 2018. The goal is to save money on energy costs while also providing much needed shade around playground areas and other key locations.
Hoover, Givens, and Chenoweth will be the first to receive the solar arrays, followed by Peterson, Gracey, Wright, Burbank, Sheehy, Muir, and our Maintenance/Operations/Transportation facility. The arrays at all of these locations are expected to be complete by January.
The initial work that will take place in the weeks ahead will vary slightly from site to site, but most will include underground boring, drilling for support piers, and the pouring of concrete. Steel columns will also soon be in place to support the solar photovoltaic panels. Throughout this process, safety will remain the number one priority. Security fencing is being used to confine work activities away from areas used by students and staff. We know there will be some noise at times, but crews are working quickly in hopes of minimizing the impact on students and staff.
This project is just the latest in our effort to provide modern, safe, and efficient facilities for our children and community. We look forward to the completion of these solar arrays and the many benefits they will provide for years to come.
If you have any questions, please contact our Facilities Department at 209-385-6332.