Solar power coming to more HSE Schools

Upon completion, a total of 4,800 solar panels will be in use at HSE Intermediate/Junior High School (HIJH) and Sand Creek Elementary. (Photo provided)

LarryInFishers.com

You can sense the excitement in Bob Rice’s voice as we walked among the solar arrays, nearly completed just south of Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate/Junior High School (HIJH), at Cyntheanne Road and Southeastern Parkway. Rice, Energy Management Director for Hamilton Southeastern Schools, says the solar operation there will begin powering the HIJH school building in the next two to three weeks.

The next project will provide another array, delivering electricity for Sand Creek Elementary and Intermediate Schools.

The HSE School Corporation entered into a contract with Ameresco Inc. in January of this year to install the $2.8 million solar project. The work is being financed by a four-year bond issue which is not expected to trigger a tax increase.

HSE Energy Management Director Bob Rice says the new solar panels will begin powering HIJH in the next two to three weeks. (Photo provided)

At the time the school board approved the plan, Rice projected the solar arrays will pay for themselves in 11 years through electricity cost savings.

Students will be able to use the solar arrays as part of their science curriculum.

“Our partnership with Ameresco has already allowed us to invest in projects that directly benefit our students and create a more sustainable learning environment at our schools,” said HSE Schools Superintendent Dr. Allen Bourff in an Ameresco news release. “The curriculum Ameresco provided will help our teachers educate their students about the latest innovations in renewable energy technology and the importance of sustainability for the future of our environment.”

Once the arrays at HIJH and Sand Creek are completed, it will consist of 4,800 solar panels.