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The town expects to save about $1.2 million and generate about two-thirds of the energy needed to run Ludlowe and Fairfield Warde High School by constructing the solar carports at each of the two schools, according to a report by the Clean Energy Task Force.
The project adds about 980 kilowatts of photovoltaic solar energy systems mounted on carport structures in the student parking lots.
In recent years, Fairfield has completed dozens of clean energy projects that have improved air quality, reduced dependence on unstable fuel supplies, enhanced the security of energy sources and provided long term savings.
To-date, clean energy projects have an annual energy cost savings of $2.4 million for the town, according to the report.
There are already solar panels on the roofs of each high school, which provide about a third of their energy needs. The carport panels should double that to two thirds.
The town will save an estimated $60,000 per year in electricity costs, or $1.2 million over the 20-year life of the contract with an outside vendor, Skyview Ventures.
The solar carports will serve as a tangible learning tool for the high schools. AP Environmental
Science and AP Physics classes may benefit from the study of solar power production and low emissions vehicles, according to the report.
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