McDougle Middle School has launched a new initiative with a mission of educating students and the community on the possibilities of solar energy.
The school is currently raising money to install a one Kilowatt solar system to be shared with the Carrboro Branch Library. The idea was realized through the efforts of Solarize Carrboro and Yes Solar Solutions.
The solar array will be installed at the front entrance of the middle school, which is adjacent to the library and will be visible to the public.
Dan Schnitzer, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Sustainability Coordinator, said that the energy generated by the installation will be minimal at best, but that’s not the point.
“Really if we want to measure the energy impact that it has, it is much better measured by the educational value and if it inspires anyone to consider solar for themselves,” Schnitzer said.
Students and library patrons will be able to monitor the energy produced online.
“Everyone can have a piece of it which is really exciting and really community-based, which again is the goal to create massive change.”
