Owens Electric & Solar is leading the way in renewable energy education in San Mateo County through its Solar Our Schools Program. After completing its first official program at Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, Director Brian Quock has valuable insights to share.

The SOS program links Owens and BP Solar grants (for classroom materials, staff time, and solar panels) with a 5-week course for students to learn the basics of solar and other renewable energy sources, conservation and future technologies. During lunch and afterschool sessions, Brian educates the students on designing solar systems and involves them in the installation and monitoring process at their school. The results have been very positive, as the students have been a part of the process from education and participation to fundraising.

Brian admits he ran into some challenges during his program at Hillsdale. The most significant barrier to the Hillsdale SOS project was with the system installation at the school and connecting to the PG&E grid. Cost was also an issue and Owens and BP generously absorbed the expenses of the solar system that the school could not raise on their own. But by the project's end he was able to provide valuable subject materials and curriculum to the dedicated teachers involved with SOS at Hillsdale.

Besides the value of having a portion of the power for the school coming from the solar panels, the students of Hillsdale High School have learned the many aspects of solar and renewable energy, the pros and cons of new technology, and the value of being environmental stewards in the school and community.

Take Action

• Contact Brian Quock to find out how you can solar your school Owens Electric & Solar

Owens Electric and Solar
279 N. Amphlett Blvd
San Mateo, CA
94401
(877) 57-SOLAR
Brian@owenselectricinc.com

• Get a solar grant for schools from BP.
• Check out our Energy section in the Resource Directory

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