EXETER, N.H. (November 3, 2015) - The Cornerstone School will welcome a bright star to its campus during a public ceremony on Thursday. After a 92-million-mile journey through the solar system, the sun will arrive at the Montessori school and instantly convert its light energy to electricity.
The event will be held on November 5th at 11:00 a.m. at the school at 146 High Street in Stratham. Activities include a teacher-led yoga sun salutation, students singing the Beatles song, "Good Day Sunshine", and a switch-flipping ceremony.
ReVision Energy recently installed a 62.2-kilowatt solar array at the Seacoast school. The array is expected to generate all of the school's electricity needs, approximately 74,320 kilowatt hours annually. The switch to solar power will save the school approximately $11,000 each year. Surplus solar power will be fed back to the grid, effectively causing the school's electricity meter to run backwards.
The $216,667 project was financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) at no upfront cost to the school. ReVision will own and operate the 204-panel system, though the school has a future option to purchase the array. "This is a thrilling moment for our school," said Head of School Lee Anne Robertson. "We've completely eliminated the building's dependency on fossil fuel for all of our electricity needs."
The solar array is in alignment with Cornerstone's core values, which include preservation of the planet for future generations. The school's outdoor learning environment was designed in the context of the natural world and will benefit from the lesson of solar energy. The project also includes a monitoring system that will allow teachers to bring the lesson of solar power into the classroom.
ABOUT THE CORNERSTONE SCHOOL
The Cornerstone School was incorporated in 1985 and is located on 11 acres in Stratham. The private school offers a Montessori approach to education for students up to age 14, focusing on each child's development and innate desire to explore and learn. For more information, visit: cornerstoneschool.org.
ABOUT REVISION ENERGY
ReVision Energy is northern New England's local solar professional, with more than 5,000 system installations since 2003. ReVision designs, installs and services commercial and residential systems and offers financing. The company is a certified B Corporation which meets rigorous environmental and social standards. ReVision was recently named a top ten installer by SolarReviews, a nationwide consumer rating service of solar companies. ReVision has four locations throughout New Hampshire and Maine. For more information, see our Solar for Schools content.
