College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Construction Management Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Construction Management

Date

4-2024

Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Joseph Cleary, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department

Abstract/Summary

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service-learning project to install solar energy systems on dwellings in the Navajo Nation. This project is a large collaboration between students from 7 different majors at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), SOLV Energy, the educational equity non-profit, Heart of America (HOA), and many industry and community sponsors. Through HOA, Skip the Grid targets homes of school age children that have limited or no access to electricity. On March 24, 2024, a group of 20 Cal Poly students traveled to Farmington, New Mexico to begin collaboration with the Consolidated School District. Over the following 4 days, students installed 24 Goal Zero solar energy systems on homes throughout the greater Shiprock area. This project enabled all Cal Poly students to learn about solar energy, the people and culture of the Navajo nation, the importance of group dynamics, and energy inequity. The Cal Poly students took to heart Cal Poly’s motto of “learn by doing”. This trip was the third consecutive year and will continue to grow to support the people of the Navajo Nation.

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