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"Projects like the Washington Middle School Solar Demonstration Project provide an excellent way for students to learn more about renewable energy technologies. When students actually see solar at work, they can learn so much about its operation and its value.”

- Heather Mulligan
Market Manager
Green Power
Puget Sound Energy

 

 

Washington Middle School

Project Partners:
Puget Sound Energy
Installer:
Christenson Electric
Location:
Olympia, WA
Capacity:
1020 watts
Type of Power:
Solar
Placed into Service:
April, 2007

Project Links:
Puget Sound Energy’s Green Power Program

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) have partnered to introduce solar power to Washington Middle School, in Olympia, Washington. This installation, the fourth in a series of demonstration projects funded by PSE, showcases solar technology as part of the utility’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about and promote the use of renewable energy.

In addition to producing clean, renewable energy, Washington Middle School’s 1.1-kilowatt solar power system is supplemented by a curriculum package that uses web-based, real-time data generated by the installation. An extensive hallway exhibit, featuring interactive flash animations that detail various renewable energy technologies, further increases the educational value of the project.

Washington Middle School is well prepared to utilize the learning materials provided as part of the project, as the school has clearly demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship. In 2005, Washington Middle School was awarded a state grant, through the Washington Sustainable Schools Pilot Program, that enabled the school to invest in a number of efficiency measures. Washington Middle School’s project champion, Tim Byrne, has articulated ambitious goals for the solar project. In addition to integrating the Solar 4R Schools classroom exercises into the existing curriculum, Mr. Byrne will assist his students in providing various pre and post renovation energy consumption metrics to the Washington State Legislature to assist the body in quantifying the economic value of sustainable school design.

 

 

 
Technical Details

Product Supplied:
Electricity, data monitoring system, and educational tools

Equipment:

  • Six Sharp NE-170U1, 170-Watt Modules
  • SMA Sunny Boy 1800 inverter with RS 485 Communication Card
  • Data Monitoring: Fat Spaniel Technologies Energy Monitoring System and Weather Station
  • King Kiosk, Interactive Educational Display