Chabad Hebrew Academy Goes Solar
In spring 2016 the Chabad Hebrew Academy flipped the switch to energize their solar power system. Sullivan Solar Power installed the 131,652-watt solar carport at the Jewish day school’s 27-acre campus in Scripps Ranch. A ribbon-cutting event was a celebration of Chabad Hebrew Academy declaring energy independence, and it began with the academy’s kindergarten class singing, “stay on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, stay on the sunny side of life.”
Students, teachers, and parents of the K-8 grade academy attended the event. Rabbi Josef was the emcee, and speakers included County Supervisor Dave Roberts, Sullivan Solar Power’s David Savarese, and San Diego Police Captain Sandy Albrektsen.
“Years from now, people will look back and think, this was one of the wisest decision we could have made, putting solar in here,” said San Diego County Supervisor and Chairman Pro Tem Dave Roberts, “When you come back and visit the academy and look at the solar panels, you will say, ‘I was there on that special day, I was there when we took the energy of the sun to make energy for our academy.’”
Two young students held the over-sized scissors to cut the red ribbon at the event while students, parents, and teachers cheered.
“Every part of the solar project is an educator’s dream. From students being involved in soils testing to student awareness of their own consumption habits and the cause and effect of their energy use with a live energy usage display as they come onto campus,” said Liz Earne, Principal of the Chabad Hebrew Academy.
The Chabad Hebrew Academy’s finance committee did thorough research before selecting Sullivan Solar Power for the solar power system. To fund the renewable energy project, the Chabad community gathered together in a matching campaign within about 24 hours.
“The Chabad Hebrew Academy is investing in a brighter future for their students and our community,” said Daniel Sullivan, founder and president of Sullivan Solar Power, “The Academy is now a leader in clean energy and a role model for how schools can help change the way this world generates electricity by reducing fossil fuel dependence.”
The solar power system consists of 446 Sunpower 327-watt solar panels and six SMA America Sunny Boy inverters.
“The Sullivan team has shown themselves to be at the highest levels of professionalism, care, and sensitivity to our needs,” said Wendy Leberman, Director of Admissions at the Chabad Hebrew Academy, “They installed the solar project ahead of schedule and are a true pleasure to work with.”
