Hartnell College’s Solar and Energy Efficiency Program

The Challenge

Reduce energy costs and utility dependence while advancing sustainability and workforce education across multiple campuses

Project Overview

Founded in 1920, Hartnell College serves the higher education and workforce needs of California’s Salinas Valley and has made sustainability a core part of its campus mission. To expand on this commitment, Hartnell partnered with OPTERRA Energy Services to design and implement a multi-phase energy program across its Alisal, Main, and King City campuses. The program combined large-scale solar photovoltaic installations with energy efficiency upgrades to reduce electric utility purchases, lower long-term costs, and integrate renewable energy projects into existing education and career training programs.

Underside view of Hartnell College’s solar parking canopy system, showcasing photovoltaic panels and structural supports installed by OPTERRA to reduce utility dependence and operating costs.

Key Benefits

Energy

• Installation of 2.6 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity across the Alisal and Main campuses.
• Reduced annual electric utility purchases by 93% at the Alisal Campus.
• Expected 63% reduction in annual electric utility purchases at the Main Campus.

Savings

• $26 million in expected energy savings over the life of the project from four phases of energy upgrades.
• Long-term cost stability through a combination of a 0% California Energy Commission loan and a solar Power Purchase Agreement.
• Reduced exposure to fluctuating energy costs and avoided upfront capital expenses for solar expansion.

Community

• Integration of solar projects into Hartnell’s STEM curriculum and career training programs.
• Hands-on learning opportunities through internships, job shadowing, and project-based research.
• Student-led community engagement initiatives, including STEM exhibits and sustainability education for the Salinas community.

Solar parking canopies at Hartnell College generate renewable energy while shading vehicles, supporting campus sustainability goals through OPTERRA-delivered infrastructure upgrades.

Energy Assessment and Strategy

Hartnell College and OPTERRA evaluated campus energy use and infrastructure needs to develop a phased strategy that paired renewable energy generation with efficiency improvements. The approach prioritized large-scale solar installations alongside lighting, HVAC, boiler, and energy management system upgrades to maximize utility savings while supporting the college’s broader sustainability and educational objectives.

Implementation and Funding

The program was implemented across three campuses using a mix of financing mechanisms tailored to each phase. The Alisal Campus solar project was supported through a 0% California Energy Commission loan, while the Main Campus solar expansion was delivered through a long-term solar Power Purchase Agreement. OPTERRA also completed LED lighting upgrades, HVAC retrofits, boiler improvements, energy storage installation, and energy management system enhancements to ensure efficient, reliable performance across facilities.