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Project Partners:
Clark Public Utilities |
Installer:
Christenson Electric |
Location:
La Center, Washington |
Capacity:
1020 Watt |
Type of Power:
Solar |
Placed into Service:
October, 2006 |
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La Center, a suburb located 15 miles north of Vancouver, Washington, is the 7th Northwest community to receive a solar energy project courtesy of Clark Public Utilities. The six-panel solar array installed at La Center High School (LCHS) is part of the school’s “Sustainables” project, and will demonstrate the environmental and economic opportunity created by renewable energy technology.
Through its “Sustainables” project, LCHS hopes to introduce the La Center community, students, staff, and parents to the various opportunities afforded by renewable energy and green building design. The new solar-electric system is a central component of this educational plan. With classroom exercises provided by BEF’s Solar 4R Schools program, teacher-champion Sandra Lanphere will augment the school’s existing science classes. As Clark Public Utilities also donated a data monitoring system that provides live and historical system data over the internet, the students will be able to view and collect system performance information for presentation and analysis.
Because LCHS invested in ambitious, cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades in 2005, the solar-electric system powers a greater percentage of the building’s electric load. As part of this renovation, the school installed efficient fluorescent lighting fixtures, an advanced HVAC system with remote re-coil programming, 50-year metal roofing, passive solar elements, motion sensing faucets, and low-flush toilets.
LCHS hopes that it’s efficiency investment will serve as an example to the local community. And, because the solar array is highly visible to commuters passing by on Highland Road, the school thinks that its new solar-electric system can contribute to the ongoing renewable energy dialogue. |
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