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 initiative aimed at providing off-the-grid power, in a sustainable manner, to underserved communities within the Navajo Nation. The Skip the Grid program is led by an interdisciplinary team from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), in collaboration with SOLV Energy and Heart of America (HOA). This ongoing project addresses the lack of electricity for many young families within the Navajo Nation due to a variety of reasons, and the need to remedy this problem to allow for young students within the reservation to succeed. To combat this issue, Skip the Grid in association with the Chinlee, AZ school district chose 40 families that would receive Goal Zero solar panels, along with battery systems, lighting, and a refrigerator unit over the three days installs were being completed. While serving the community of Chinle, Cal Poly students practiced hands-on methods in problem solving, installation techniques, safety, and collaboration. In addition to the technical installations, the student team from Cal Poly developed safety protocols, pre-task-plans, cultural presentations, and educational outreach seminars that would be then presented to a variety of different elementary schools on the trip.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/894
Poster Board