Potential of Solar Energy in the Inland Empire’s Cooling Centers: A Case Study of Perris and Its Potential Ramifications
Abstract
In order to combat the increasing temperatures in the Inland Empire and the growing disparities between those who have access to cooling centers, we propose that the Inland Empire begin to massively shift existing cooling centers to renewable energy, particularly solar energy. Currently, while a good sum of currently existing cooling centers utilize some type of solar energy, our project is looking to increase solar power for three main cooling centers (Nuview Library, Moses Schaffer Community Center, and the Perris Library) in Perris, California. Perris is one of the three most impoverished cities in Riverside County, making the need for cooling centers as a public service all the more crucial. Our project suggests that current cooling centers expand their solar power infrastructure to include a combined system of both solar PV and a paired battery system to make current cooling centers more resilient and powered. Currently, for the year 2023, Riverside is expected to have at least 7 “local hot days,” (Risk Factor, 2023) which are classified as days where extreme heat temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above are expected to occur. Research also suggests that “local heat days” will only continue to increase within the next thirty years (Chow and Chiwaya, 2022). Based on this, having a more resilient cooling system would provide cooling centers with a high resiliency (fully operational for at least 72 hours) instead of a current medium endurance (which is roughly 24 hours). Based on the predicted climate changes in the region, this is not only a must but also a need for the residents of the region.
