Aliamanu Middle and Pearl Ridge Elem. Go Solar

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Aliamanu Middle and Pearl Ridge Elementary schools are now powered by the sun.

Hawaii Pacific Solar has completed installation of photovoltaic systems — an alternative source of energy that is expected to save the schools an estimated $500,000 each over the next 20 years, according to a press release. Each school’s system will prevent more than 300,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.

Now, 12 Hawaii schools total are powered by PVs.

The Department of Education has contracted with Hawaii Pacific Solar to install solar panels at Oahu and Kauai schools under a Power Purchase Agreement. The Denver-based RC Energy owns, operates and maintains the PV systems. Hawaii Pacific Solar installs the panels at no cost to the DOE, according to a press release.

And the initiative has an educational component, too:

HPS is also giving each school lesson plan materials on solar energy, a sun safety program and a flat screen monitor that allows student to do real-time monitoring to the see the amount of power being generated and the amount of carbon reduction and energy saving as a result of the solar panels.

The state expects to complete installation at various Kauai schools by summer 2014.

— Alia Wong

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