November 12, 2010

Woodstock Day School Goes ‘Green’ with Solar Energy Project

NYSERDA Funding and SOLARgeneration, Inc. Gift Help Reduce School's Energy Costs

WOODSTOCK, NY (November 12, 2010) — The Woodstock Day School today unveiled a new solar energy system it has installed that will reduce the carbon footprint of its five-acre campus and cut the school’s energy costs by more than $100,000 over the next 30 years. The project, which was supported with funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), was installed by SOLARgeneration, Inc. of Woodstock.

The new solar photovoltaic (PV) system will supply a portion of the school's science, art, and main office buildings with nearly 15,000 kilowatt hours of clean, renewable electricity.

NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray Jr. said, “I commend the leaders of the Woodstock Day School for their commitment to using clean, renewable energy. The solar photovoltaic system will reduce the environmental impact of the school's operations and provide a valuable teaching platform for students to learn more about solar energy and a sustainable future.”

The Woodstock Day School's mission is to inspire academic, social, and creative success to prepare students for meaningful participation in a complex world.

Todd Koelmel of SOLARgeneration, Inc., a school parent and faculty spouse, said, “As members of the local Woodstock community, we felt it was important to use our skills and resources to give a little back with the intention of not only reducing harmful air pollution but also to raise awareness and inspiration among students. It is the students of this generation who will be responsible for bringing renewable energy and community service back to the main stream.”

Dr. James Handlin, Head of School at Woodstock Day School, noted that, “Honoring the natural world and using its resources with care is one of the primary values of our school. It is wonderful that we will save money with this installation, but the teaching opportunity is priceless. Following today’s unveiling ceremony, every student, from the youngest pre-schooler to the upper school, will gain the knowledge necessary to ‘carry the message’ out into the world.”

The 13.44kW, 60 panel ground-mounted PV array was designed and installed by Todd Koelmel and Jason Spiotta of SOLARgeneration, Inc. NYSERDA provided $67,000 toward the full cost of equipment and SOLARgeneration installed the system free of charge.

Since 2005, NYSERDA has provided nearly $9 million in incentives to 273 residential, 43 commercial, eight not-for-profit, and one industrial PV projects in Ulster County, totaling more than $20 million. These systems are generating more than three million kilowatt hours of clean, renewable electricity annually—the equivalent to the annual amount of electricity consumed by 436 single family homes.

In March, the Public Service Commission authorized $144 million in rate-payer supported funding for solar energy projects.

NYSERDA offers innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help consumers increase energy efficiency and save money while helping businesses create clean energy solutions.

NYSERDA's professionals help New Yorkers reduce energy consumption, increase the use of renewable energy, protect our environment and create clean energy jobs. A public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.

For more information on the Woodstock Day School, visit www.woodstockdayschool.org.

For more information on SOLARgeneration, Inc., visit www.solargeneration.net.

Contact:

Jeffrey Gordon
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3544
jrg@nyserda.ny.gov