Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
SOUTH PARIS — A large array of solar panels now greets visitors to Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. The new fixture sits at the entrance to the parking lot, and it will be gathering the sun’s energy and storing it for the charging of electric cars.
The solar tracker is programmed to follow the sun throughout the course of the day. It can tilt its array of panels as the sun rises and sets as well as move from side to side as the seasonal position of the sun changes. A GPS is also part of the tracker to give these movements accuracy.
The solar array, which was made possible through an anonymous donation to the Center for Ecology-Based Economy and installed by All Earth Renewables of Vermont, is believed to be the first of its type in the state to be set up on school grounds.The unit is also configured to provide electricity for the school during those times when vehicle charging has not been occurring, especially during the summer months when the school’s air conditioning needs are at their peak.
There are three charging plugs on the installation, one for Tesla vehicles and two for other electric cars and hybrids. There are a few other electric charging stations in the Norway/South Paris area, and as those are free to the public, so is the new one at OHCHS.
PHOTO CAPTION: A solar tracker at the entrance to Oxford Hill Comprehensive High School follows the sun’s path and stores the energy as electricity for charging electric cars. (Photo by Bill Van Tassel)
