I recently learned that the San Jose Unified School District installed a bunch of solar panels in their schools.

They installed arrays at 4 of 6 high schools, on rooftops and parking canopies. The system powered up last September.

The district estimates it’ll save $25 million in energy costs and reduce its utility power demand by 25 percent over the 25 year lifespan of the project. Overall, the district estimates it will cut the equivalent of 37,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Woot!

The Deviant Deziner (the latter is phonetic ) created a pergola that supports a couple of dozen solar panels.  I love that there is no sacrifice of form to function here - the structure is attractive and functional.

Fan of solar panels on rooftops: Check √

Sold on application for covered parking:  Check √

Love the implementation on a pergola: Slam dunk! √ √ √

These examples are reminders that when it comes to solar we can think outside the roof, and we can care about aesthetics as well as energy.

Tell me about your home or garden solar design!

Full article on SJU School District’s solar power program