Montessori Director Teresa Chocano and n Jason Williams of Artisan Electic review energy production on the system’s meters.
By Tina Whitman, Science Director, Friends of the San Juans
[On Friday, Sept. 13] the Orcas Montessori School’s new 9 kw photovoltaic solar power system was completed and connected to the OPALCO energy grid.
“We are so excited to be producing clean energy for both the school and the larger community!
“Facility improvements will significantly reduce our energy usage and our students and staff are challenging ourselves to make even greater improvements” says Teresa Chocano, Orcas Montessori director.
Electricians from Artisan Electric install solar roof panels at the Montessori School on North Beach Road.
A small array is located on the east side of the school’s roof and is visible from north beach road, and the majority of the system is located on the west flank of the roof, to maximize solar exposure.
The renewable school program at Orcas Montessori includes major efficiency upgrades to the facility, the pv solar system and hands-on renewable energy activities for students and was made possible by grant support from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, OPALCO, and the Community Energy Challenge, as well as extensive support from individual community members.
“A huge thank you to our grant funders and all of the generous volunteers and donors who have made this energy efficiency and education project possible- we are getting closer to meeting our funding needs each day” stated Tina Whitman, Montessori parent and board member.
Next steps for Montessori’s solar project include a teacher training workshop for interested local preschool and elementary educators and the introduction of energy education materials such as solar cars and ovens into local classrooms. For more information on the project, please visit us online at www.orcasmontessori.org. Live, web-based information on the power production of the system should be online on our site in the next week.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
