Since the solar array was activated on August 18, it has produced 1,900 kilowatt-hours of power for Amesbury High. An estimated 2,350 pounds of carbon emissions have been offset, as well.
In total, the solar power system should help the school cut its annual energy bill by $10,000.
The benefits of solar power go beyond cost savings, Amesbury mayor Thatcher Kezer said. "Not only does the system save on electricity costs, it reduces our carbon footprint and provides a hands-on learning tool for our students," he noted.
Amesbury's high school went solar with the help of a $150,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the state Department of Energy. Schools and other nonprofit organizations looking to go solar need not rely on grants to do so, however: Many not-for-profit groups partner with private installation companies to leverage federal and state solar incentives.
And, for nonprofits, solar can be a smart investment. As Amesbury High School is learning, going solar provides real benefits.
