College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
3-2026
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Joe Cleary, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service-learning project that provides sustainable energy solutions to families with school-aged children living in the Navajo and Hopi Nations. In March 2026, a team of 23 students from five academic disciplines at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) partnered with Heart of America, SOLV Energy, and NextPower to complete the fifth year of the program. The project's purpose was to improve quality of life and support educational success by providing reliable access to electricity, lighting, and refrigeration in underserved communities. Participants were organized into five installation teams consisting of Cal Poly students, faculty, industry partners, and local community liaisons. Over three days, the teams installed 50 off-grid solar energy systems in communities throughout northeastern Arizona. Each system included two 200-watt photovoltaic panels, a Yeti 1500X battery, a refrigerator, and two LED lights. In addition to the installations, participants collaborated with local schools during a community education event and gained a deeper understanding of Navajo and Hopi culture. The project successfully completed all 50 planned installations, expanding access to critical household resources for 50 families while demonstrating the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement in addressing energy inequity through renewable energy solutions.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/954
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