Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Matching Grant to Bri

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Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Matching Grant to Bring Solar Energy to Cape Cod School Solar Energy Program Benefits School Buildings, Curriculum
Press Release from Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
November 3, 2005 In conjunction with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Cape Light Compact has begun its "Solarize Our Schools" campaign in an attempt to get people in Sandwich investing in renewable energy.
In addition to residents benefiting from locking into the 8.9 cent per kilowatt-hour charge on their electric bills, the program aims to enhance the science curriculum with hands-on data used from the installation of solar panels at a town school.
Cape Light Compact is urging Sandwich residents to stay warm this winter while helping to secure a grant that will educate schoolchildren about the benefits of solar energy.
In addition to residents benefiting from locking into the 8.9 cent per kilowatt-hour charge on their electric bills, the program aims to enhance the science curriculum with hands-on data used from the installation of solar panels at a town school.
"For the people who sign up, the ringer is that they get a fixed rate. They'll lock in before the first blow," said Bob Jones, Sandwich representative to Cape Light Compact. "But really it's about putting our money where our mouth is for those of us who say we support renewable energy."
Through the payment of their electric bills, residents would be making contributions that are tied to their consumption. Customers can chose to match 50 percent or 100 percent of the electricity they use each month with renewable energy resources.
The additional cost per kilowatt hour is 1.77 cents for those customers who choose the 100 percent option, which equals an additional $8.84 per month. The amount is tax-deductible, however, at the rate of 75 percent, which lowers the cost to $6.63 per month.
As a result, MTC will match up to 75 percent of the premium in the form of grants to install solar panels on one school in teach town at no cost to taxpayers.
The program began in September, with the CLC going town-to-town in an effort to spread the word. The Sandwich School Committee endorsed the program and authorized the distribution of program pamphlets to families in the district.
According to the Compact's Education Coordinator Debbie Fitton, the educational component of the program is the greatest value.
"There are so many potential links to renewable energy in the curriculum from biology, to chemistry, to meteorology," she said. "Students will see tried and true technology and will be working first hand with solar data collecting."
Fitton said that once the photovoltaic systems - commonly known as solar panels - are installed, the schools will be networked so they can share results and findings. "The students will be able to share information with students from other towns and they will develop a real understanding of renewable energy. They'll also know that people cared enough to sign up for renewable energy and that's such a good example to show the students."
Before any of that can take place, however, the number of participants in the program must grow to at least 3 percent of households in each town. As of last week, only seven Sandwich families had registered to participate.
Registration is taking place on a first come, first served basis and will cap out at 220 households.
"This is a time-limited challenge," said Compact administrator Maggie Downey, adding that the deadline to enroll is Dec. 31. "But the goal is not to install something and then walk away. Part of it is making it happen and then seeing it through."
Residents who register must stay with the program at least though March 31.
In appearing before selectmen alongside Downey in Sandwich, Jones asked the board for its endorsement and its participation, saying, "We need your help as leaders to belly up to the bar and help us."