RESA taps into future of energy
Article By
STEPHEN TAIT
Times Herald
Photo by
Mark R Rummel
Times Herald
In a little more than four days, a wind turbine and solar panels near Port Huron's Vantage Point have produced 103 kilowatt hours of electricity.
That is enough to power an average house for 3.5 days or operate a 13-watt energy-efficient light bulb for 7,923 hours. It also is enough to offset 151 miles worth of carbon dioxide produced by an average American car.
"That's pretty impressive for four days," said Adam Abele of ABM Electric, which wired the alternative energy sources.
The two alternative energy sources are part of the curriculum at St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency's Technical Educational Center.
In all, the project costs about $200,000, part of which was offset by a $45,000 grant from Michigan Renewable Schools program, an effort of the nonprofit Energy Works Michigan.
During a day with ample winds and plenty of sunshine -- perfect for the two energy sources -- officials from the state and RESA officially welcomed the wind turbine and solar panels to the community.
The wind turbine is a 90-foot structure that is capable of producing up to 10 kilowatts of electricity. The solar panels, which convert sunlight to electricity, can produce up to 6 kilowatts.
One kilowatt is equal to 1,000 watts.
Information from the turbine will be downloaded onto a website, which will be shared with St. Clair County Community College and be available at the Great Lakes Maritime Center, to be used for alternative energy classes.
Dan DeGrow, RESA superintendent, said students are excited about the program. It also sets students up for a job in the alternative energy field, which continues to grow, he said.
"We think it is an excellent example of what RESA is all about," he said.
Amy Butler, director of the Bureau of Energy Systems for Michigan's Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, said the program will be an example for other districts statewide.
"This is really a unique opportunity," she said. "You guys are going to create a ... sense of excitement."