Process of installation included workers secure piping to the roof, followed by a system of brackets that will hold solar panels. Once the bracket system is in place solar panels are brought in and placed in the brackets. The panels are mounted in their permanent positions. Their positioning has been determined by maximum efficiency to draw energy from the sun.
The district solar project was approved by the Board of Education in June of 2010 and construction began in October of that year, following all of the necessary planning and permits. Harrington's solar system became operational in December of 2010. Work began soon after on the placement of supports and panels at the Hartford School. At Hartford, some of the panels were placed on the ground, in addition to those on the roof.
The solar project offers tremendous opportunity for students to learn first-hand about their environment and the carbon footprint of our schools. A kiosk in each of the schools shows energy levels generated and the kilowatt hours being utilized in real-time.
Additionally, the solar panels are a source of increased revenue for the district, through the transfer of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECS). For every megawatt-hour of electricity produced by an eligible solar facility, one SREC is awarded. State solar requirements demand that energy suppliers or utilities procure a certain percentage of electricity from qualified solar renewable energy. Transfer of SRECs to these suppliers results in income for the producer.
Please follow the links to the left to see how our panels and generating energy "in real time".