In June of 2003, the installation team from Independent Energy Systems volunteered their time and resources to install a small grid-tied solar electric system on the rooftop of The Ark School in Westside Santa Cruz. Students from Cabrillo College's Renewable Energy course also volunteered to participate in this interactive educational demonstration on solar power. This project is another example of how IES supports our Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay community.

During the summer of 2005, IES volunteered their time to install a solar PV system at the Branciforte Small Schools Campus in Santa Cruz. This is an adjustable pole mount solar electric system, and its angle can be changed throughout the year so that the students can document how different orientations affect the output of the solar panels. Total Array Power: 960 Watts; Solar Inverter Type: SMA Sunny Boy 1800 Watt; Solar Module Type: 12 Kyocera KC80, 80-watt solar module, Multi-Crystalline

The sun almost always shines in the San Lorenzo Valley. The local fire departments in the Santa Cruz Mountains for Felton, Zayante, and BoulderCreek are enjoying their energy independence thanks to their new solar energy systems. Commercial solar systems are an ideal way for businesses to cut down on energy bills and reflect a companies or organization's ongoing commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship.

Sunset Magazine's newest Idea House in Monterey showcases the latest in sustainable construction, solar energy, reclaimed lumber, a tankless hot water system and a 20,000 gallon-capacity water reclamation system into the overall eco-design. Independent Energy Systems was selected to provide solar energy solutions for this landmark design project – a 12.6 kilowatt solar electric system, as well as a solar thermal system designed to heat the domestic hot water and radiant flooring.

We are excited to have completed one of our largest commercial solar installations to date at the highly regarded Mount Madonna Center & School in the Santa Cruz Mountains after over a year of planning, research, and funding hurdles. Five different solar arrays cover approximately 9,598 square feet. The combined 158 kW solar electric systems will generate roughly 223,000 kilowatt hours of energy per year, supplying enough clean, renewable, solar energy to power about 80% of the School, and more than 50% of the Center.