Libertyville Elementary District 70 looking to the sun for power

Libertyville Elementary District 70 has taken another step in its campaign to go green, with the installation of solar panels at two schools.

Butterfield Elementary School and Highland Middle School each installed six solar panels in front of the buildings three weeks ago to provide free, renewable energy.

The sets of panels, which each cost about $9,000 and were funded through a conservation grant, provide enough energy to power 10 to 12 light bulbs, Superintendent Guy Schumacher said.

"They will be a power source for us," he said. "The energy produced will light up an entire classroom."

If the solar panels are able to produce their optimal amount of energy - 800 kilowatts - one classroom could be lighted year-round.

The district partnered with Oak Brook-based Ameresco, an independent company that provides renewable and sustainable technology, to install the panels and to do a roofing project also included in the grant.

Terry Stoklosa, Ameresco's lead sales representative on the project, said the company suggested District 70 add the panels to continue its green initiative.

"Our forte is green renewable energy and sustainable energy projects," Stoklosa said. "(Ameresco) and Libertyville are dedicated to it."

Highland Middle School Principal Sharon Aspinall said the panels are a great way to teach students about energy.

Ameresco is helping the school create a Web site that provides the energy and cost savings data from the panels. Students will be taught to use the Web site, and it will supplement portions of the current curriculum, Aspinall said.

"With this (Web site), we can actually see data," she said. "If you want to talk about twenty-first century learning, this is twenty-first century learning. This could be their future."

The Web site is not live yet, but district officials say it is coming in the next few weeks and will be available for all to see.

Powered: One classroom could be powered by panels energy year-round