Helios Solar Program is the team of 12 passionate Berkeley student leaders in Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) undergoing measures to reduce students’ financial burden while increasing renewable energy access. Helios’ ambitious vision began with the entire student body. In the 2015 ASUC Elections, the Solar Reinvestment Referendum asked students whether the ASUC should promote solar initiatives. Students galvanized support for solar by passing the referendum 9-1--the most supported ballot item. The referendum’s directives still propel our program.
In 2016, Helios established a replenishing fund for off-campus student housing with $30,000 seed funding from The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF). This rolling solar fund will empower students to control their energy supply and reduce the cost of living in the Bay Area. We are partnering with student housing, like the cooperatives and Greek houses, to allocate our TGIF funds. Helios will bridge the gap between student excitement and the administrative, logistical, and financial barriers that have prevented solar installation.
Student group houses pose many challenges, but they are ideal candidates to begin mass decentralized solar. Reduced room and board fees can easily redistribute savings to students. After all parties agree to an installation, all will sign an agreement to pay a small portion of their electricity savings into the rolling fund. Savings from prior systems will fund more solar systems over time. Helios expects to have our first solar installation completed this academic year. We hope to create a successful model that students across the nation can replicate.