I read recently that Lancaster County, Penn., has over 2,000 homes and businesses who have installed renewable energy systems. Yes, the Amish are going solar, but not in a big way. They tend to buy the small units that run one machine or appliance, a washing machine, a water pump or to charge the batteries for LED headlamps on their horse drawn carriage. Solar panel companies in that area say their business has increased 20 to 30 percent in the last couple of years and they think it may double in the next year or two. Could it be that the Amish are leading the way to our nation’s energy future?
Then I began to wonder how Lancaster County compared to Island County when it comes to renewable energy? I know there’s a solar-powered race car in Langley built by high school students and science teacher Jay Freundlich. Solar panels power Freundlich’s home nearby. The car won a solar car race last year. Afterward the panels were removed from the car and put on the roof of the school. Langley Middle School participated in the Cool School Challenge and successfully reduced their carbon emissions by 19,111 pounds!
The Cool School Challenge is a program that was started by a science teacher in Redmond with support from the NW Clean Air Agency and Puget Sound Energy. Their Web site shows schools how to reduce carbon emissions by focusing on energy efficiency. There was a teacher’s workshop on the Cool School Challenge on Feb. 28 in Bellingham. Teachers could get continuing education credits and a $300 stipend from PSE for attending. Over 25 schools are listed on their Web site. For more information visit www.coolschool
challenge.org
The Coupeville Middle School recently signed up for the challenge. Science teacher Terry Welch attended a workshop last fall and returned anxious to get started. A senior student assisted her making it her senior project and the maintenance man helped, too. After two months, the school started to see a reduction in their energy bill.
The district is also applying for a Solar 4R Schools grant through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. When a school meets the requirements and gets a solar project from BEF, they also get a curriculum package that allows students to monitor the real-time data generated by their system. Their Web site lists over 50 schools who are participating. Visit www.solar4rschools.org/.
While school staff and administration are delighted to be saving money, the younger generation is primarily focused on climate change. These resources offer them all the power tools they’ll need to change course in a more sustainable direction.
The easiest possible way to support renewable energy is to opt for “Green Power” on your Puget Sound Energy bill. For as little as $4 a month you can enroll and PSE will use your funds to purchase renewable energy from regional providers. For more information, visit www.pse.com.
Economic news is pretty dim, but our energy future is bright. The new federal stimulus package offers grants, loans and tax credits for renewable energy. A new federal energy policy is being developed that aims for 25 percent of our electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025. State financial incentives are also available that make it more affordable than ever. From replacing old appliances with new Energy Star appliances to putting a solar array on your roof, now is the time to gain your energy independence.
For more information about energy efficiency and renewable energy, join us for a free seminar at Oak Harbor City Hall Tuesday, March 10, 7 to 8 p.m. The seminar features Kelly Keilwitz founder of Whidbey Sun and Wind, and Chris Burroughs to speak on Energy Star certification.
