BASS LAKE, CA – Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District (BLJUESD) invites its community to “Plug into the Sun” with a celebration of a new solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Wasuma Elementary School on Thursday, May 30. The ceremony will kick off at 3 p.m. in front of the Wasuma gym, located at 43109 Highway 49 in Ahwahnee, CA.

During the ceremony, BLJUESD will share the importance of the PV system to the Bass Lake community and flip the system switch to start the generation of renewable solar power to Wasuma.

“Everyone in our great district is excited about the solar project. We are joining the effort to ‘go green’ and reduce our global footprint,” said Randall Seals, superintendent of BLJUESD. “In addition to the environmental benefits of solar, we are looking forward to generating a savings on our utility services which will allow the district to increase much-needed direct services for our students and staff. Climatec has been a great partner during the planning and construction phases of the project and their dedication to us as a client has been outstanding.”

A project of a power purchase agreement between BLJUESD and Climatec Energy Services, the solar PV system offers greater environmental sustainability to the mountain area of Central California. Wasuma Elementary will receive renewable solar energy from the system, which is made up of 752 PV panels, seven AC/DC inverters and 14 combiner boxes. It is expected to produce approximately 600,000 kWh per year and close to 14,250,000 kWh over its 25-year life.

The project launched on June 28, 2018 and finished on May 16, 2019. The PV system entailed over 1,000 feet of underground directional boring from the school soccer field and parking lot to a point of interconnection on campus so as not to disrupt school programming throughout the construction period. The result is approximately 1 mile of underground high voltage wiring.

“We are thrilled to possess this resource right here in the Bass Lake area,” said Stella Pizelo, Bass Lake School Board president. “The PV system is just one feat toward powering our district and reinvigorating the area. Our goal is to continue educating ourselves, our students and our community about the benefits and means of clean energy. With the help of Climatec, we are on track to do just that.”

BLJUESD and Climatec will continue their partnership in an additional collaboration with the SunPower Horizons Program to educate BLJUESD leadership on solar PV. The education series will include lessons in solar science and energy efficiency, guest lecturers, mentors, webinars, advisors for solar curriculum and project and office tours. These projects will reap environmental savings equivalent to 26 less cars on the road, 14,121 gallons of gasoline saved, 3,703 trees preserved from deforestation and 19 American homes powered.

“As leaders in energy efficiency, Climatec finds it important to connect with local leaders on opportunities for enhancing their communities,” said Tyler Girtman, Bass Lake District’s account manager at Climatec. “We are inspired by Bass Lake School District to take on shifts in, not only infrastructure, but education. It is this type of thought leadership that is reshaping the world into a healthier, more vibrant place to live and enjoy.”

About Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District

The Bass Lake Joint Union Elementary School District is dedicated to academic achievement and success for its pupils, donning the mission statement and slogan, “Every Child… a Promise!” The District serves schools located in the greater mountain area of Central California, including Fresno Flats Community Day School, Oak Creek Intermediate School, Oakhurst Elementary School and Wasuma Elementary School. Bass Lake students benefit from a “1:1” technology model in which they are allotted one Chromebook for each day of instruction from kindergarten to 8th grade. Students receive a first-class educational experience in Bass Lake schools, one that provides a strong foundation for future success in high school and beyond.

About Climatec

Founded in 1975, Climatec is a leading provider of advanced building technologies and energy efficiency solutions. It serves building owners across nearly all market segments including education, health care, office, hospitality, industrial, federal, state and local government. Climatec’s automation and efficiency solutions improve building comfort and deliver significant energy and operational savings. Its life-safety and security solutions create productive environments that protect building occupants and business assets. Climatec is headquartered in Phoenix with offices across the country and 800 full-time employees. Visit climatec.com for more information.