Rosa Parks Elementary Goes Solar
One of Portland’s newest elementary schools is benefiting from the sun’s powerful energy. Rosa Parks Elementary School, located at 8960 N. Woolsey Ave., received solar panel arrays funded by a partnership of PGE, Energy Trust of Oregon and The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF).
Rosa Parks Elementary School opened in 2006 and serves grades K-6. The school is participating in the BEF’s growing Solar 4R Schools program, which provides students with a “hands-on” education about the features and benefits of solar energy. There is no cost to the school for the solar panels or for the accompanying Solar 4R Schools educational materials. The panels were installed on the school building’s south side. Each participating school in the Solar 4R School program receives a Web-based curriculum package that provides real-time data on the panels’ electrical output under varying exposure to the sun. An interactive kiosk in the school’s lobby allows students and visitors to monitor and learn about the project.
The panels will help the school teach science and math, and they will also increase awareness of how energy choices can impact the environment and create a more sustainable energy future. The school has a strong commitment from its administration and a similar commitment from a designated solar “champion” (e.g., a teacher or other school staff member) who will lead the educational efforts.
“I think all of the partners involved are excited by the opportunity to be part of this effort, both to support the community and demonstrate the value and benefits of renewable energy,” said Bruce Barney, PGE project manager for customer energy resources. “PGE customers lead the nation in enrollment in renewable power programs, and this is one way we can reinforce the importance of their commitment to protecting the environment and building a sustainable energy future for our region.”
PGE’s contribution comes from funds provided by Clean WindSM renewable power customers. In addition to reducing their own environmental impact, Clean Wind customers support renewable power demonstration projects and development of renewable power resources. PGE ranks first in the nation among utilities for sales of renewable power to residential customers and second in total renewable sales volume.