Pioneering Solar Innovation in Poway (San Diego County), California, USA

Saroj Joshi, P.E., Ph.D
Lead Professional Electrical Engineer

Introduction:
In the early stages of America’s solar revolution, only a few projects combined innovation with practical implementation. 

One standout example was a groundbreaking solar installation in Poway, California, which I had the privilege of leading as the professional electrical engineer. 

This project was both technically challenging and historically significant, marking one of the nation’s first solar-powered housing developments.

Working closely with talented electrician Sky Seals & his skilled electricians of the  main general contractor.

Sky Seals electrician (now owner of EZ Solar), and his talented team, we transformed a forward-thinking vision into a reality that would inspire similar sustainable developments across California and beyond.

Project Overview:
The project, completed in 2007, was part of Solara, an affordable housing community in Poway designed as one of the nation’s first “zero energy” neighborhoods. 

Each home was powered by solar energy, collectively meeting or exceeding the residents’ annual energy demand.

Our team designed a 141 kW photovoltaic (PV) system to serve 56 families. Once approved by the City of Poway, Sky Seals and his team executed the installation flawlessly, setting a new standard for sustainable housing at the time.

Context and Significance:
While some sources suggest Poway had a unique claim to early solar recognition, historical data shows that California as a whole led the nation. 

In 2007, the California Solar Initiative (CSI) was launched with the ambitious goal of installing 3,000 MW of new solar capacity by 2017, positioning California as a national leader in renewable energy adoption.

Solara’s significance lay in its integrated design rather than sheer scale. At the time:

• San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) had a regional net metering cap of 50 MW, with only 19 MW utilized.
• PG&E and other utilities had larger programs, but few demonstrated the seamless integration of solar with affordable housing.
• Solara became a frequently cited case study in sustainable urban development, combining efficiency, environmental responsibility, and accessibility.

Legacy of Innovation:
Reflecting on this project, I am proud to have contributed to a development that helped shape modern solar housing standards in the United States. What made Solara truly special was not just the technology but the spirit of collaboration between engineers, contractors, and the community.

Even after completing larger-scale solar projects exceeding megawatt capacity, this project remains close to my heart. It represented both technical excellence and a commitment to making renewable energy accessible to everyday families.

Conclusion:
The Poway Solara project serves as a reminder that meaningful progress begins with collaboration, creativity, and the courage to innovate. It paved the way for advanced solar solutions, including microgrids, utility-scale battery storage, solar farms, see-through PV, and integrated PV-EV hybrid systems. 

I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this milestone in America’s solar journey and to work alongside exceptional teams whose dedication continues to drive the solar industry forward.