Powering the classroom, overcoming design challenges

Portola Valley School District wanted to reduce electricity costs, so it chose to install solar arrays at two of its schools. The Corte Madera and Ormondale campuses needed 10 solar systems of various sizes, each of which maximized energy production even when partially shaded by surrounding redwood trees. 

Enphase microinverters enabled installer Real Goods Solar to design systems that were optimized for energy production while also conforming to each rooftop’s unique angles and orientation. In addition to design flexibility, microinverters technology also ensures that even if one panel is shaded or dirty, the rest of the system can still produce at full capacity. Portola Valley can also track the health and performance of each solar array – down to the module level – with the Enphase Enlighten monitoring software.