Sep 4 2010
Recently, workers commenced the installation of rooftop solar panels at the Richardsville Elementary School. This $12.6-million, 77,000-square-foot building will generate more power than it consumes.
The building will utilize geothermal piping to avoid the necessity for boilers and furnaces. The walls are insulated with concrete to provide the school building with insulation. The floors are polished and stained in an effort to reduce the cleaning work needed on the surfaces.
Probably the best feature of the school is its solar panels. These solar panels are being installed by Morton Solar and Wind, in collaboration with Advanced Electrical Systems. This solar panel project worth $2.4 million was partially funded by means of a state grant in an effort to help the school utilize 75% less energy in comparison with other schools.
Around 2,000 solar panels are likely to be erected on the rooftop of the school and 700 will be installed on the parking structure of the school. The panels have the capability of producing around 2,500 kWh of energy, sufficient for powering around 50 homes. Apart from powering the school, the excess energy produced through this project will be sold to the Tennessee Valley Authority in an effort to power neighboring businesses and schools.
Source: http://www.mortonsolar.com/