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September 17, 2008 • Vol. XXXII • No. 7
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Page| Schools Harness the Sun | ||
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Heating oil and natural gas prices in the New Jersey region have skyrocketed over 30 percent in the past three years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. When utility prices go through the roof, it affects schools by siphoning funds that could otherwise be directed to the classroom. What’s a school board to do? In many cases, things are quite literally looking up … up at the sun, that is. “Solar power is really beginning to take hold in many New Jersey schools,” said Marie S. Bilik, executive director of the New Jersey School Boards Association. “More than ever, schools are embracing the concept as a way to save money and to demonstrate environmental stewardship.” Some schools have smaller demonstration projects, while others feature ambitious undertakings that will pay for themselves by generating income through reduced utility costs. In addition, schools are incorporating the solar programs into the science curriculum for their students. State rebates have funded, or will be funding, solar projects in 65 school buildings in 33 New Jersey school districts. Those 65 projects are either completed or in some phase of construction, and are being assisted by $32.5 million in state rebates, available since 2003. The funding comes through the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, a Board of Public Utilities initiative to promote clean power in government and the private sector. More in Queue In addition, there are another 68 schools in 42 school districts that are in line to potentially receive rebates totaling $28 million. The 68 applications came in just during the past year, and have nearly matched the participation of New Jersey public schools for the previous five years combined. Because demand is far outpacing the limited availability of rebates, the state stopped accepting applications for solar rebates in April. The state is now transitioning its program to one that continues to promote solar, even without rebates. Some schools found they can still recover their investment in solar over time, and have moved ahead with projects rather than waiting for rebates. Districts can sell solar renewable-energy credits, which are paid by utility companies and power generators. Also, solar generation can lead to a process called “net metering,” where the electric meter actually spins backwards and the district’s energy is sold back to its utility company. This more commonly occurs in the summer, when schools are closed and the solar system is generating at peak capacity. While the lifespan of a solar energy system may be two decades, school districts can typically recoup their investments in about 10 years, sometimes even half that time. Although the state has offered rebates, some funds may need to be raised locally—usually through voter-approved borrowing. In April, for example, Lawrence Township (Mercer County) voters approved a district proposal to install solar panels in seven schools. The technology will not only conserve utility costs, but will also play a role in environmental science education. Voters in Stafford Township and Egg Harbor Township also approved solar energy proposals. “Schools are in a unique position to not only save tax resources, but to also demonstrate leadership in environmental issues to the younger generation,” said NJSBA’s Bilik. “We tell students to think globally, and act locally. School officials are setting an excellent example.” Some of the districts that have received state rebates for solar power include: Allamuchy Township, Bayonne, Bergen County Vocational, Branchburg, Bridgewater-Raritan Regional, Clementon, Hopewell Valley Regional, Howell Township, Jersey City, Kearny, Lakeland Regional, Little Egg Harbor Township, Margate, North Bergen, Ocean City, Pennsville, Monroe Township (Middlesex County), Montgomery Township, Neptune, Newark, Phillipsburg, Toms River, Upper Pittsgrove and Voorhees Township. |
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