Baker Electric partnered with Cathedral Catholic High School to build a 1.1 megawatt solar system to help the school achieve savings of $80,000 to $100,000 per year on its electrical energy costs.
Baker designed and installed 1,798 solar panels using a carport configuration. The Baker solar system was created to complement the high school’s building colors and façade.
Cathedral Catholic High School has been focused on faith, knowledge, character, and responsibility since 1957. The new solar system reinforces the school’s core values as it educates its students about the importance of caring for the earth and its people through the use of renewable energy and other smart environmental strategies. The project was featured in the school’s weekly CCTV news broadcast as well as in science classes.
Cathedral Catholic High School has been focused on faith, knowledge, character, and responsibility since 1957. The new solar system reinforces the school’s core values as it educates its students about the importance of caring for the earth and its people through the use of renewable energy and other smart environmental strategies. The project was featured in the school’s weekly CCTV news broadcast as well as in science classes.
Cathedral Catholic President Stevan R. Laaperi said, “After careful consideration, we chose Baker Electric Solar for our renewable energy needs. The company has a solid reputation built on the 75+ successful years of Baker Electric, Inc. That, in addition to their proven solar expertise and their previous work on our campus, made Baker an obvious choice. We spend about a half a million dollars a year on electric power. We are looking forward to significant cost savings as a result of this critical investment.”
Baker also offered Cathedral Catholic creative financing through TRITEC Americas’ power purchase agreement which gives Cathedral the option to purchase the system outright.
“The Cathedral Catholic solar project showcases an organization with a clear commitment to saving energy costs while supporting the environment and inspiring its students,” said Baker’s Director of Commercial Solar Scott Williams. “We’re honored to be playing a key role in helping the school achieve that commitment.”
The Baker / Cathedral Catholic solar 1.1 MW installation builds on the school’s previous environmental endeavors of installing 80,000 square feet of artificial turf, as well as switching to super-efficient LED lighting which consumes 90% less power than old-style incandescent bulbs. The Baker-installed car chargers are available to faculty, staff, and students during the school day and to the community at large in the evenings.
“We’re focusing on being a green school. We want to be responsible citizens and good caretakers of the earth. That’s part of our commitment as Catholics. The savings we realize as a result of going solar will reduce our energy costs and help keep tuition increases to a minimum. This will enable broader community access to the amazing education we provide here at Cathedral Catholic,” said Laaperi.
For more information about Cathedral Catholic High School, visit https://www.cathedralcatholic.org
About Cathedral Catholic High School
An innovative academic community of lifelong learners grounded in the Catholic faith that prepares our graduates to live God’s call and build the Kingdom. Cathedral Catholic High School is a leader in Catholic, college preparatory education. The rigorous, innovative education program is offered in a nurturing community based on teachings of Jesus Christ and traditions of the Catholic Church. The CCHS core values — faith, knowledge, character, and responsibility — developed from the University of San Diego High School heritage, guide the graduates’ growth to become responsible leaders. CCHS is a collaborative community, dedicated to lifelong learning and teaching students to assume responsibility for their own educational and spiritual growth. In partnership with parents, we form an educational ministry that is mutually supportive and committed to excellence.
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MEET THE TEAM
Ted is the fourth-generation of Bakers who since 1938, have provided company leadership. In 2000, Ted succeeded his father Kent in the role of president and CEO and is responsible for all Baker Electric and Baker Electric Home Energy company operations. He oversees a broad spectrum of multi-million dollar private, public works contracts and directs the development of new market opportunities.
Results oriented Human Resources and Operations leader with over 25 years of proven hands-on success managing all aspects of Human Resources. Working in both manufacturing and service environments was able to become a “Business Partner” that developed HR strategic plans that enabled companies to have double digit growth in revenue while increasing employee morale.
Brian joined the Baker team in 2019 as Chief Information Officer to lead the IT strategy and execution for both Baker Electric and Baker Electric Home Energy. Brian and his IT team provide the software, hardware, infrastructure, security, and service to support Baker’s position as the innovation and technology leader in the market. Brian brings more than 20 years of IT leadership experience across a variety of industries, driving business results domestically and internationally.
Mike has 32 years of experience in electrical construction supervision and management. With strong design-build construction capabilities, he is able to deliver a project from concept to completion. Mike’s experience contributes to cost-effective solutions by assisting with design resulting in lowering engineering fees. Mike manages a portfolio equating to annual revenue of ~100MM.
With over 30 years in the electrical industry, as Vice President of Estimating, Oscar oversees the Escondido office in a wide range of Military, Industrial, Commercial, Manufacturing, Battery Storage Systems, Education, Hospitality, Multi-Family Residential, and Construction projects in the Design/Build, Design/Assist or hard bid stages.
As Vice President of Renewables and Safety, Scott manages all commercial and utility-scale solar business operations as well as the development and implementation of the company’s stringent safety protocols. His responsibilities include the growth and profitability of the Renewables business from marketing and sales to project bids, planning, implementation and execution. His management of emerging markets such as energy storage, microgrids, building industries energy conservation measures and compatible energy measures, has positioned Baker as leader in renewable energy production and efficiencies.
As Vice President, Pre-Construction, Keith has been with Baker for more than 34 years. He currently oversees all company capabilities in the areas of conceptual estimating, budgeting as well as managing a broad range of projects requiring design/build, design/assist and competitive bid. Keith’s comprehensive portfolio of work includes commercial, industrial, military, manufacturing, education, cogeneration, multi-family housing, clean room, solar power installations and hospitality/gaming construction projects.
As part of the executive team since 2006, Brian manages the financial and operational vision as CFO of both Baker Electric and Baker Electric Home Energy. Brian provides financial forecasting and reporting, participates in strategic planning, and develops and oversees corporate budgets ensuring growth and profitability. With more than 30 years of experience, he monitors and coordinates the daily operations of Baker’s accounting, finance, and human resources departments and personnel.
As Vice President of Pre-Construction Los Angeles, Joel has been with Baker Electric for six years and in the electrical construction industry for over 30 years. He currently oversees the Los Angeles office Pre-Construction, estimating, budgeting, and design-build efforts. Joel’s portfolio of work includes commercial, industrial, medical, pharmaceutical, data centers, education, multi-family, housing, and high-rise residential and commercial work.
As Vice President, Daniel Zupp oversees our Transportation and Los Angeles operations. With over four decades of electrical experience, Dan has managed an array of projects from simple service contracts to ground-up construction including casino facilities, commercial, educational, military, and multi-family housing.
Brian’s 30 years in electrical construction gives him the experience to deliver successful projects without fail. As our Vice President of Construction, Brian takes the lead in an array of projects – from simple service contracts to ground-up construction including commercial, educational, military, hospitality/gaming, solar installations, and single and multi-family housing.
