Developer says solar-plus-battery microgrid at Carpinteria High not viable now after funding shifts

A representative for Scale Microgrids told the Carpinteria Unified School District Board on Jan. 28 that a previously studied solar-and-battery microgrid for Carpinteria High School is not economically feasible at present.

The presenter said the company had analyzed the site and other potential county locations, but that the pool of federal and state grant funds and incentives has shrunk since their earlier work. The presenter clarified that Scale Microgrids is a for-profit developer that has worked alongside nonprofit Clean Coalition on such projects.

During the board's question-and-answer period trustees and staff asked about contract pricing and how a proposed power-purchase agreement (PPA) would interact with SoCal Edison distribution and demand charges. The presenter said the PPA payment structure would be driven by solar production and that district customers would continue to receive a utility bill for distribution and demand charges; the microgrid would reduce demand and therefore lower some of those charges. The presenter also said current California rules do not allow aggregation of sites for the economics presented.

Why it matters: Microgrids and school-site solar could provide resilience and educational opportunities, but the district was advised that current financial conditions and shrinking incentive pools mean the project does not yet "pencil out." The district said it will maintain relationships with developers and continue to pursue grant opportunities.

What the board did: Trustees received the presentation and asked technical questions; no procurement or contract action was taken.

Ending: The company said it remains optimistic and will look for future opportunities should incentives or grant pools expand.