Hazel Hawkins Hospital is considering following the lead of local schools by adding solar panels to offset energy costs.
The hospital district’s board of directors was scheduled to hear a presentation Thursday from ClearSpot Energy Inc., which recently installed panels at eight Hollister School District sites as well as the district office over the summer. ClearSpot also installed solar panels at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Frankie Gallagher, the hospital’s director of marketing and public relations, said ClearSpot made a presentation to the board on Oct. 27 and was set to return this week with more information.
“Nothing’s been voted on,” Gallagher said. “They presented board education a couple months ago and the board is looking at its options.”
Thursday’s presentation was informational only, with no board vote scheduled.
ClearSpot added solar panels on canopies over parking areas, playgrounds and vacant land at Calaveras, Marguerite Maze, R.O. Hardin, Rancho San Justo, Sunnyslope, Ladd Lane, Cerra Vista and Gabilan Hills schools, as well as at the district headquarters on Union Road.
The company has projected the district will save up to $18 million over a 30-year period due to reduced energy costs. ClearSpot invested $7 million in the project, meaning there were no up-front costs for the school district.
