In West Sacramento, youth from River City High’s Engineering and Science Academy put their skills to use putting together a real working solar electric system for a local couple over two days. Sponsored by the City of West Sacramento, an entire class of high school students and their electronics teacher installed the system over the course of two days. The Academy students were enrolled in DC/AC circuitry class making this even more of a valuable experience for them.
The students were divided into two teams, and participated either on the first or the second day. Each team had one lucky student over the age of 18 (Jorge and Lucas), who spent the majority of their time with our Solar Installation Supervisor and the homeowner, Kathy Savala, up on the roof. The remaining students kept busy with activities on the ground.
On the first day, a group of students, led by GRID Construction Fellow, Sergio Coronel, put together the conduit run on the exterior of the home. The rest of the students, led by GRID Construction Fellow, Jenka Terentieva, assembled the rails that are used to mount the solar panels onto the roof. Mike Sharma, the Solar Installation Supervisor, wrapped up the day holding a Q & A session on electricity.
On the second day, students learned about the first day’s activities and practiced techniques with GRID’s interactive learning models made by GRID Construction Fellow, Kaly Moore. Students split up into four learning stations: conduit bending, the wire pull and junction box wiring, panel testing, and rail and clamp assembly. The second day activities culminated in connecting the solar panels and microinverters together, and completing the circuit with a pull of wire to the house’s main service panel, which was wired by our Installation Supervisors.
In a GRID Alternatives installation, students are able to learn and actively build skills in all areas of an installation, even if they aren’t able to get on a roof. We cover safety and technique throughout the day, and make sure there is plenty of time for Q&A.
We graciously thank our home owners, George and Kathy Savala, for participation in the installation, their welcoming hospitality and their gratitude to both GRID and River City High students. Thank you to our River City High students for their inquiry and engagement! We look forward to the next collaboration with the Academy!