Vote on solar panels coming

Santa Rosa school board members will decide Wednesday whether to enter into an agreement that would result in a $26 million solar project built at 10 campuses.

“Tonight the board will make a determination of whether they want to forward or not with a photovoltaic project,” and if so, for which campuses, said Board President Jim Leddy.

The public meeting begins at 6 p.m. City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave.

Board members will be examining the proposed financial and environmental benefits of the solar project, as well as the impact on campus facilities, Leddy said.

Consultants are recommending against trying to place solar panels on district roofs, and instead suggest building carports and placing the panels above them. A graphic rendering of Maria Carrillo High shows the carports and solar panels obscuring the view of the campus from Montecito Avenue.

Some board members, said Leddy, have expressed concern about potential visual impacts. “I think that’s something that will be discussed tonight,” he said.