The Ministry of Education has just announced Carbon Neutral Capital Program grants for 2015. Solar panels at NES and Lucerne Schools will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and also reduce energy costs in the district.
The solar project will also provide important learning for our students. Our elementary classes will learn about renewable energy sources and monitor the impact of the solar panels on reducing energy consumption integrating Math, Science and Language Arts skills.
Science 9, Geography 12 and Electronics 10- 12 students from NSS and Lucerne Secondary Grades 10-12 students in their Science, Social Studies, and Outdoor Education classes will use the project for authentic learning about alternative energy technologies. Hands-on learning opportunities will be cultivated for students at NSS and Lucerne as a teams will learn how to assist in installing this 21st century renewable energy infrastructure alongside professional project engineers and electricians.
In 2014, an extensive Solar Engineering Study grant examined solar energy potential and savings on all district schools. Nakusp Elementary School and Lucerne Elementary Secondary School were chosen as the first two schools to have solar energy as the cost was lowest and the return of energy/payback highest of all the district schools. Unobstructed roof area and proximity to electrical panels also determined higher viability on this sites.