Solar Project Construction Sparks Renewable Energy Lesson for Colonial Students
Plymouth Meeting, PA (June 24, 2011) ““ Colonial School District (CSD) today welcomed Nora Mead Brownell and Tangent Energy Solutions to teach and inspire young female students to pursue careers in science and energy. The event was the culmination of CSDs two week Girls in Technology program.
The educational partnership between Tangent and CSD was sparked by Tangents long-term energy solution for the school district ““ which includes on-site solar projects. Construction is beginning on panels at the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School/Elementary School Campus and Colonial Middle School and will produce 689 kilowatts (kW) of solar power and save the district $1.5 million over the course of 20 years.
Tangent board member Brownell, former Commissioner for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, spoke to girls ages nine through 12 to encourage them to stay interested in technology and science.
“My passion for technology began when I recognized how instrumental it is in all aspects of our lives. I realized that advancements positively affected other industries I was involved in, such as banking and even the performing arts,” explained Brownell. “By making clean energy technology more understandable and interesting to young women, Colonial and Tangent are helping to prepare the next generation of engineers, scientists and leaders.”
Dave Turner, COO of Tangent Energy, explained that the solar panels will produce a significant percentage of the districts energy needs, while Tangents management technology reduces the price CSD will pay for the remainder of its energy. The panels will produce more than 825,000 kilowatt hours per year of renewable electricity, which saves more than 1.2 million pounds per year of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
“Wed like to thank Colonial for the chance to work with them and for inviting us here today,” said Turner. “Not only is the school saving money that can now be used for student programs, but theyre also becoming part of the solution for the nations energy issues. Just as our schools drove home the recycling message; this generation of conscious energy users will set the tone for the future.”
Terry Yemm, Director of Operations at CSD, explained that student education on the projects would not stop after today.
“This project fits in with the “˜green initiatives we began six years ago. Additionally, we plan to incorporate the solar energy project into the science curriculum of the District,” said Yemm. “Students will be able to learn about the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy and see firsthand the technology required for the production of electricity.”
The solar project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Financing Authority.
Contact: Jess Long for Tangent ““ 717-712-8359
Dave Sherman for Colonial SD ““ 610-834-1671, ext. 2115
About Tangent Energy Solutions
Tangent Energy Solutions (www.tangentenergy.com) reverses the traditional utility driven approach to developing the smart grid by partnering with commercial and industrial customers to optimize the “grid behind the meter.” By providing clean energy assets and technologies at no capital cost, Tangent saves C&I energy customers 10% to 20% while increasing the amount of renewable content in their supply. Tangent actively manages on-site assets to decrease a customers reliance on grid sourced energy, especially during peak demand periods. As a result both the end-customer and the utilities benefit. Tangent is a venture-backed company founded in 2009 by a management team that has been providing commercially successful energy innovations to mainstream C&I customers for 30 years.
