May 15 2010
Resurrection School, a Catholic parish school serving K-8, has flipped the switch on a 24.6 kilowatt solar energy system. The school is the first non-residential institution in the City of Rye to install a solar energy system.
Mercury Solar Systems designed and installed the system and helped the school secure a grant from The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), which financed the majority of the project cost. To commemorate the event, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held on May 11th with school, city and energy officials.
"This is an exciting day for our children who can now experience first-hand the benefits of solar energy on our school, local community and the environment. We thank Monsignor Patrick Boyle for having the vision for this project," said Harold Nielsen, Principal of Resurrection School.
The school's solar energy system consists of 123 panels and 3 inverters. It will power over 30 percent of the middle school buildings' annual electricity needs including all the lights and the computer lab.
"Resurrection has taken a progressive stance as the first school in Rye and one of a select few schools in Westchester to go solar," said Jared Haines, President, Mercury Solar Systems. "We are also pleased to hear the kids are really excited about it. They have been asking lots of questions and want to know what else they can do at the school. One 7th grade student asked, if the photons of light reflecting off the moon would turn the system on at night. It's a great question and it is possible!"
With an expected production of 27,000 kilowatt hours per year, the system will reduce 49,390 pounds of carbon dioxide which is equivalent to recycling 480,000 cans of soda, planting 2.5 acres and taking 3 cars off the road every year.
"Resurrection is harnessing a higher power and we applaud them for leading the whole City of Rye on becoming a greener and more sustainable place to live," commented Suzanna Keith, Deputy Mayor, City of Rye.
"We commend Resurrection for taking on this initiative and encourage more of our customers to consider the benefits of solar energy," said Robert Schimmenti, Vice President Engineering & Planning, Con Edison.
Source: http://www.mercurysolarsystems.com/