Chewonki Alumni, Families, and Friends are raising $850K for an expanded solar array–and we’re 50% there.
In 2012, we set a bold target to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, and going 100% Solar for our electricity needs is a key component of our decarbonization strategy. A 480-panel agrovoltaic array on our Eastside pasture is a big step towards fully solar. The installation will cover all our current electricity needs, permanently offset 140 metric tons of carbon annually, reduce our energy costs, enhance our experiential curricula, and provide shade for grazing animals.
140 Metric Tons of Carbon Equals:
This important project has a price tag of $850K. We think it’s within reach—with your help! A generous alum has offered to fund 50% ($425K!) if individuals, families, and groups team up to sponsor the other half by October 31.
Help Chewonki Achieve this Bright Future;
Join Team Solar!
Become a panel, block, or array-level sponsor, and your generosity will power Chewonki programs for years to come. Plus, you’ll reduce carbon emissions, enhance our experiential learning offerings, and provide shade for grazing animals.
Praise for the Bright Future Solar Drive
Why Sustainable Schools Matter
Schools are places where ideas take root, and Chewonki has long been a leader in helping students and participants understand their connection to the natural world. Now, with our Bright Future Solar Drive, we’re taking that commitment one step further.
Read MoreThank You Team Solar!
Array Level Donors:
- Anonymous
- L. & S. E.
Block Level Donors:
- David and June Vail
Panel Level Donors
- Harold Burnett
- The Heard Family
- Ted and Mary Gene Myer
- Rebecca Marvil & Brian Smyth
- John Saaty
- Laura Appell-Warren & John Warren
- The Connors Family
More Rays of Sunshine
- Dave Liebmann
- T. & S. M.
- Scott Andrews and Sue West
- Pascal Stellato
- Edward DesMaisons
- Gregory and Caroline Horner
- Smith-Miller+Hawkinson Architects
- D.&J.B.
- F.&D.S.
- E.D.
- G.&C.H.
- Jed Weeks and Anne Macleod Weeks
- Anonymous
- Anonymous
More Project Details
Eastside Solar Array Quick Facts:
- 480 panel, 230kW carbon-free energy generation
- Dual-use as pasture land
- $80,000 annual savings in grid-purchased electricity
- $1.5 million in savings over the array’s 40-year lifespan
- Education opportunities for camp and school programs
- $239,000 Federal Tax Credit
- Room for additional solar panels as we electrify campus
By the Numbers: Agrovoltaic Benefits
Currently, 8.2% of the energy we consume comes from solar. The expanded agrovoltaic array will increase that to 37.1% (a 450% increase!) while reducing our costs (no more purchasing electricity from the grid) and carbon footprint (grid power is most commonly generated by burning fossil fuels).
Energy Efficiency Improvements
With increased solar energy capacity on hand, we can move to part 2 of our decarbonization journey: improve the energy efficiency of our existing structures, and replace legacy propane, oil, diesel, and gasoline systems with newer electric appliances and vehicles.
With more than 120 powered structures on campus, there is ample opportunity for carbon-saving improvements, including upgraded insulation, heat pumps, lighting, appliances and stoves. As more mass-transit electric vehicles come on the market, we envision our fleet of passenger vans becoming a mobile an extension of our energy storage network.
Next Step Decarbonization Projects*:
- Two Rav4 Plug-in hybrid vehicles and an EV utility vehicle to upgrade the fleet
- HVAC Renovations, installation of heat pumps and new control system
- On-demand electric hot water systems for residential buildings
- Replace dining hall lighting system with LEDs
- Install heat pumps for heating/cooling in classroom spaces
- Install heat pumps for heating/cooling in office spaces
- Upgrade and replace propane/oil appliances and systems in residential housing
*A 480-panel agrovoltaic array will generate enough electricity to satisfy our current needs. Fully electrifying campus will require installing additional solar panels as our electricity needs grow.
Project Scope and Cost
Let’s talk solar! Contact Alexis Grillo at agrillo@chewonki.org.
