The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), in partnership with the Pasadena Independent School District (ISD) and Ignite Solar LLC, have completed construction of three solar installations, totaling approximately 145 kW, at Sam Rayburn and South Houston High Schools. The installed systems are expected to save the district approximately $15,000 annually in energy usage.
The Pasadena ISD Solar Initiative, formerly the East Harris County Solar Pilot Program, began as a two-year project managed by HARC, demonstrating the viability and efficiency of solar electric systems in the Houston area. As part of the initiative, students at the two high schools will work alongside engineers and scientists, gaining first-hand knowledge about the function and benefits of three solar technologies: Moser Baer multicrystalline modules, Uni-Solar amorphous thin-film modules, and Solyndra cylindrical tube solar technologies.
Funding for the solar initiative was made pursuant to the settlement of a Clean Air Act enforcement suit brought by Environment Texas and the Sierra Club. Sam Rayburn High School later received funding from the State Energy Conservation Office to demonstrate two additional solar technologies.
SOURCE: HARC
