On the surface, a solar powered parking structure sounds like a great idea. A small victory for the masses indeed! Finally, the money grubbing evildoers of the world will feel the cold stinging sensation of a slap to face!
But what if it could have been better?
Antelope Valley College’s solar paneled parking structure has fallen drastically behind schedule. According to AVC’s web site, the solar paneled parking structure was to be completed by Feb. 5, 2011 just in time for the start of the spring semester.
True, parking lot 10 did open temporarily from Feb. 7-27, but it will remain closed, along with parking lot 11, from Feb. 27-March 17, according to a recent news statement posted on www.avc.edu.
The solar paneled parking structure still seems to be more upside than downside. As reported by the AVC Examiner in the fall of 2010, the parking structure will cost $7.6 million and will be financed and built by Chevron Energy Systems.
Also reported by the Examiner, the project will pay for itself by lowering utility costs and saving the college money on the electric bill. The money saved will go into the school’s general fund.
That all seems great until the true downside of this project is revealed. Money in the general fund can’t be used to fund additional classes or instructors. According to an article on USA Today’s web site, California’s budget deficit has led to a drastic reduction of funding to public colleges. Only a balanced budget can bring back the lost classes.
So when you arrive on campus March 18 and find solar panel covered parking lots 10 and 11 open for parking, please use them. Look up at those panels, but feel a cold stinging sensation on the side of your face. You’ve just been slapped.
-By Kevin Michael Kramer
