Quadra Elementary Has Gone Solar

Quadra Elementary is now offsetting its power needs with solar generated electricity thanks to a demonstration project with the Quadra Island Climate Action Network (ICAN).

Earlier this year, the front of the school was retrofit with 14 solar panels to harness the energy from the sun’s rays. Electricity generated from the panels feeds into the grid and is used to offset the cost of power for the school, helping to reduce the school’s energy budget.

The system is the same size as what would be required for a typical Quadra residence and the goal is to show the viability of solar power and start to influence others on the island to move towards renewable energy.

An online dashboard monitors and displays the energy generation in real time, allowing students to evaluate energy-saving programs that they come up with and interested community members to investigate and consider solar energy for their own properties.

The dashboard can be found on the school’s website at www.sd72.bc.ca/quadra by selecting ‘Check Quadra Elementary Solar Panel Information’ under the ‘I’d like to’ menu.

The project was financially supported by the Campbell River Foundation, Campbell River Daybreak Rotary Club and BC Hydro, as well as community donors. It was installed by Terratek.