University Park Solar Array Powers Homes, Minds

In just a few weeks, the building in University Park charged with powering up the minds of the town’s children will also be generating enough electricity to power up to nine homes.

After a short delay, construction of the University Park solar array began on Monday, with 35 of the 216 panels installed before the end of the day, according to Chuck Wilson with the Small Town Energy Program (STEP).

A joint project between the town of University Park and Prince George’s County Public Schools, the solar array will generate enough clean energy to power nine homes annually. The project will also net the town and the school system a shared revenue stream of up to $18,000 a year in electricity sales and tax credits.

“The solar project is the culmination of two years of work with the school board, Pepco and numerous other stakeholders and volunteers, including our entire town council,” University Park Mayor John Tabori said in a press release.

The project was funded by the town’s U.S. Department of Energy STEP grant, meaning there were no additional costs to the town or school associated with the array. The grant paid for design and construction, and will also fund maintenance and the array’s removal at the end of its life in 25 years.

University Park Elementary is the first school in Prince George’s County to boast a solar array.

“We are thrilled to see the solar panel project at University Park coming to fruition,” said Dr. Alvin L. Crawley, interim superintendent of schools, in a statement. “It has been a pleasure partnering with STEP and the town of University Park throughout this process, and I am proud that one of our elementary schools was selected for this groundbreaking initiative."

Not only will the array provide clean energy and a revenue stream to the town and school system, it will also provide learning opportunities for local children. Students throughout the county will be able to see the array performing in real time via a web portal, according to a press release.

“Students will have ongoing opportunities to build their science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills while learning how this state-of-the-art solar energy project operates and reduces energy costs,” said Amber Waller, school board District 3 representative, in a statement.

Each year, the University Park Elementary solar array will contribute 85,000 kWh to the grid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 tons. In its 25 year lifespan, the array will provide enough electricity to power 225 homes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,500 tons.