College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2025
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 project aimed at providing reliable and clean energy to families living in Navajo Nation. Cal Poly partnered with Heart of America, SOLV Energy, and Nextracker to help bring this plan to fruition. Twenty students were selected to contribute to the planning, coordinating, and fundraising for the project. After the preparation was completed, Cal Poly students joined representatives from Heart of America, SOLV Energy, and Nextracker. The trip commenced with a hands-on, productive five day visit to Chinle, Arizona. The first working day commenced with Cal Poly students attending a total of five schools in the Chinle school district, to teach elementary school children about the positive impacts and importance that solar energy can bring to their families and communities all over the world. In addition to education, the project focused on the physical installations of the equipment. With three days to install solar panels, battery boxes, electric coolers, and lights, five pre-determined groups worked tirelessly to bring access to electricity to over 110 children and their families. This impactful project provided more reliable access to basic necessities and a new beginning for forty families.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/881
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