Educational and Economical: Alternative Energy Sources Explored At Northwestern


 

WINSTED — With all the buzz in the past year about "going green," administrators at Northwestern Regional high and middle schools have decided to jump on board. Their goal is not only to save money, but to educate their students.

Joining forces with Solar Design, a Massachusetts-based alternative energy company, Northwestern officials have said they will have their first solar panel in place at the school by this spring.

"What we are doing is a couple of initiatives. We are going to look at photovoltaics, or solar panels, in order to generate power," said Superintendent of Schools Clint Montgomery. "I have mentioned several times that I am not looking at this as a money-saving activity, but an educational activity of the students and community."

While the intent is not backed by a financial motivation, there are several incentives to the school to add the solar panels.

"All of the capital expense and maintenance would be free — it would be the responsibility of the company. Our responsibility would be to purchase back, at a discounted rate, the electricity produced by the solar panels," said Montgomery. "It would give us, at most, about 20 percent of our electrical power."

In addition, Montgomery said the program allows for some "symbolic collateral advantages."

"There will be a modified weather station that the students would be able to use and engage in meteorology. In addition, they will be able to monitor the amount of power that is being saved with the solar panels.

"It’s an educational tool, but it’s a tool as well in looking for alternative energy sources as an example to the students."

As the head of an educational institution, Montgomery feels he owes it to the students to provide technology and resources to further their education with the changing times.

"I really do believe that we have a piece of the responsibility in this whole picture. Many students are eager for us to step out and make some changes."

In addition to the solar panels, a "Green Team" has been formed at Northwestern to look at other aspects of the school and see where improvements can be made, whether it be recycling or additional clean energy sources.

"To move toward clean energy alternatives or increase recycling, you automatically reduce your energy footprint for a school of our size. That’s why it’s a bit symbolic, because we are part of the community. I think we are making a statement that students will use and model," said Montgomery.

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