November 14, 2006 News Media Release

Austin Energy Kicks Off Solar For Schools Program; 11 Schools Receive Solar Arrays

A ribbon cutting was held today, Tuesday, November 14, at O. Henry Middle School to kick off the Austin Energy Solar for Schools program. The ceremony recognized the installation of solar arrays by Austin Energy at 11 schools, nine in Austin and two in Round Rock. The schools were chosen on the basis of their applications.

The installations are part of the Texas Solar for Schools Program sponsored by the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. The long-term goal of the state program is to ultimately install solar projects at every school in Texas. Including the 11, solar arrays have now been placed at 42 schools across Texas, including earlier installations at three other schools here in Austin.

The solar array at each of the 11 schools is 3.4 kilowatt (kW) of capacity. The arrays are mounted on poles that stand 10-feet tall and are enclosed by a fence. Each array is capable of producing about 5,450 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually-- about half of the electricity needed to power the average-size home in Austin year-round. Electricity produced by each array feeds directly into the respective school.

Students at each school will monitor energy production from the solar installation via a statewide web site. Austin Energy staff is working with AISD science teachers to develop a curriculum that will teach students about solar energy.

Funding for the arrays was provided by Austin Energy, assisted by a Department of Energy grant provided through the Texas State Energy Conservation Office. Austin Energy also provided assistance to the installation of arrays at the three other Austin Schools in the statewide program. In all, 12 AISD and 2 RRISD schools are currently participating in the local and state Solar for Schools Program.

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For more information, contact Ed Clark, Public Information.
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