Students eye solar panels

It was a drab day, the sky overcast and the temperature hovering at a chilly 3 C.
None of which had dampened Jennifer Manna’s enthusiasm for an emerging plan to soak up the sun.
The local Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School student belongs to a committee raising funds for the purchase of a 10-kilowatt microFIT solar panel system.
Mounted on the school’s roof, the panels will convert the sun’s rays into electricity.
“We intend to sell it back to (the provincial power grid),” Manna said, adding revenues generated by the system would help offset capital costs and eventually fund other green initiatives.
The proposal is still in the development phase, and the committee continues to meet with board officials as it seeks the necessary approvals.
Committee member Sam Little described the response to date as “positive,” while noting that similar projects have been undertaken elsewhere.
“What is unique is we are the first one driven by the students,” he added.
For now, the group, known as the ‘PF refresh’ committee, is raising funds toward the effort.
(The group encourages student inclusiveness with a focus on environmental causes.)
Were the solar-panel initiative to prove unworkable, the students would pursue other avenues for energy production, including wind power.
“No matter what happens, the money will go toward some sort of environmental initiatives, making our school more green,” Manna added.
Proceeds from an April 27 ‘Earth Gala’ at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club will go toward the system’s $50,000 to $60,000 cost.
The upcoming event features a silent auction, formal dinner, cash bar, and live music.
Manna said the committee intends to hold other fund-raising events, as well as seeking out government grants.
“If we raise the whole $50,000, we will actually start making a profit (immediately),” she said, adding that the system would generate about $6,600 in revenue annually. “It’s a long process, but we are taking the first steps.”
Tickets to the April 27 gala are $30.

SourcE:http://www.simcoe.com/news/article/1343459--students-eye-solar-panels