Hot-dip galvanizing an important part of solar project for California School District.

In an effort to reduce energy costs, Borrego Solar partnered with the Newport Mesa Unified School District in Orange County, Calif., to offset their electric utility demand. With the help of readily available solar energy emitted almost daily in southern California, their efforts will lock in the rate of electricity for the produced solar energy.

Throughout the lifespan of the system, the cost of electricity will increase and the cost of the solar energy will remain constant. In addition to a cost savings for the school district, the cultural benefit of incorporating green energy into their living classroom will provide a vision of responsibility for the young students. Elementary school students beginning now in the district will graduate from high school never having witnessed a campus without solar generation. The future decision makers will expect that clean energy is the norm, and responsible functional design is a sure path to success. It is Borregos hope that where shade is needed, solar modules will be the logical choice in place of fabrics. The energy production is an added benefit to necessity of livable outdoor spaces.

This project consisted of 32 school sites within the school district. There were 231 sets of columns and beams that The galvanizer used hot-dip galvanizing (HDG) to provide corrosion resistance as well as a surface finish for the tube steel carport. Resolute Performance Contracting fabricated the steel for Borrego Solar the project developer and general contractor.

The project was comprised of more than 1 million pounds of structural steel. Nearly 100,000 lbs. of zinc used to galvanize these structures. The corrosion protection from the galvanizing will provide the added lifespan for the structures to ensure savings from solar spans during many of these students lifetimes. In addition, use of HDG adds to the ecological sustainability as the added zinc coating for the steel because it does not restrict its recyclability. Galvanized steel can be recycled with other steel in the steel production process, which reinforces the renewable resource importance impacting the lives surrounding these schools.

The solar carports and shade canopies used throughout the Newport Mesa Unified School District to offset the electrical costs of the schools will also be providing budget space for more educational costs for the students. A total of 11,631 solar modules were installed on the structures. In addition to the cost savings, the shade will provide play areas, eating areas, and in many cases, much-needed shaded parking. The carports serve as a teaching tool for future generations regarding responsible energy generation and use. The galvanized finish provides a longevity to the steel that is consistent with the effort to produce long lasting power supply with minimal required upkeep.

Use of HDG in such an important and high-profile initiative is a win for the industry. It not only showcases its significance in corrosion protection, but it positions it use as an important process for energy conservation and environmental stewardship for the future.

As environmental pressures mount throughout the United States, it is essential to train kids and young adults to care for the world responsibly if it is to endure. Imparting kids with the knowledge of how to live in ways that are sustainable saves both resources and money, and teaches children that they are vital members of society. Teaching children why it is important to save energy, explaining the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, and demonstrating ways to cut back on energy use are key steps in teaching children to conserve energy. Newport Mesa Unified School District, Borrego Solar, Resolute Performance Contracting & the galvanizer all have recognized and are proud to be a part of a project that provides a lasting impact for not only the environment, but also critical developing minds of our future.