Hillsdale High School will soon be getting a small sunshine boost kicking off a long-term project to produce more solar energy on campus.

The grant-funded program through the BP A+ For Energy program is new to the school this year. Students and teachers are partnering with Owens Solar and Electric, a San Mateo solar provider, to learn about energy conservation, renewable energy and how it can be implemented into the classroom.

“It’s important for people to start learning about solar,” said 17-year-old senior Erin Fisher. “And if a high school starts a program; if we do it, and it works, maybe other people will use renewable energy.”

Fisher was one of the 14 teens at the first meeting who learned the basics of solar — an exciting opportunity for the environmentally-savvy teen.

The lesson was also the first chance Jimena Gutierrez had to learn about the renewable energy source. Gutierrez, who hopes to study engineering, became interested in solar power during the summer while studying at Santa Clara University. This year she chose to make solar power part of a larger project. Working on this project will teach her the hands-on aspect of solar energy.

The $10,000 will include $4,000 for solar panels; $2,000 for teacher stipends; $2,000 for equipment and supplies; $1,000 for a field trip; and $1,000 for community outreach, according to information given to the San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees.

A select group of about 20 students will learn how to install solar panels, which they will later install. The first installation is estimated produce enough energy to for half a classroom. 

History teacher Dave Emanuel called the start symbolic of the future expansion.

“Wouldn’t it be cool to power the classrooms?” he said.

The goal is to add panels as funding becomes available until the school is solar powered.

Part of the change includes using lesson plans during advisory, history and English classes. Some students will visit a solar-powered facility then build solar racers. Junior advisory students will study the history of energy use and policy in the United States.  

Partnering with a local provider was always part of the plan. Students who will be part of the installation will meet after school weekly during the upcoming weeks until the installation — tentatively planned for November.

The partnership also offers a way for Owens to help the greening of the schools while providing a fundraiser and solar system for Hillsdale. Anyone interested in installing solar panels can participate in the Solar our Schools program starting next month. A portion of each project will be donated back to the school to support expanding the solar program.

“I think it’s a great way for the parents to listen to what the kids are learning about renewable energy in school,” said Brian Quock, Owens Solar and Electric marketing director. “It is their future that we’re talking about. The kids are so excited about going solar. It’s a great way for them to put their thoughts and ideas into action.”

A community solar celebration will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 at Hillsdale. The informational event will feature the work of the students thus far; basics about the Solar our Schools program; and facts about renewable energy.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.