Renewable energy jobs at UC Santa Barbara

UCSB has undertaken several notable renewable energy projects on its campus, including a multi-site Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in 2018 that significantly increased onsite renewable generating capacity. A 424 kW solar system was completed on Parking Lot 22, funded by student fees, and there are plans to expand a 15 MW site by an additional 5 MW in 2026, utilizing investment tax credits. Additionally, a 450 kW agrivoltaics research installation has been established (source: energy.ucsb.edu; dailynexus.com; youtube.com). The Interactive Learning Pavilion, currently under construction, will be the campus's first major all-electric building powered by solar PV and UC Clean Power, aiming for carbon-neutral operation.

In 2025, the founding Director of the IEE, John E. Bowers, retired, and Steven P. DenBaars took over, integrating the Solid State Lighting and Energy Electronics Center (SSLEEC) to expand its scope (source: wikipedia.org). UCSB also released its Clean Energy Master Plan in February 2025, which aims for over 90% reduction in Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions through the full electrification of heating and hot water systems within 20 years (source: independent.com). The Environmental Studies program celebrated its 55th anniversary in May 2025, highlighting its historical significance stemming from the 1969 oil spill that led to the establishment of the first such program in the nation.

UCSB offers a diverse range of roles, including research faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, engineers, social scientists, and policy analysts across various departments such as Electrical & Computer Engineering, Materials, Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Studies. The main hiring occurs at the Santa Barbara/Goleta campus, including Henley Hall, which houses the IEE (source: engineering.ucsb.edu; cetlab.es.ucsb.edu; wikipedia.org). The culture at UCSB emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a community that encourages activism and engagement through various programs and initiatives.