In September 2023, twenty-four ground mounted 450 watt panels were installed. The panels have concrete footings and are placed at a 45-degree angle to capture maximum sunlight.
The panels will power a geothermal heating system for the 30 x 60 ft greenhouse, allowing the school to grow vegetables with renewable energy for the school cafeteria, culinary classes and the local food bank. The project is sponsored by PEDVAC, a non-profit community group located at 12 Church Street, Port Elgin, NB.
The system is south-facing toward the rear of the school, near the food forest.
Fundy Solar began the installation in early summer 2023 after the permits from NB Power were approved. Wheeler electric made the official electrical connections.
The system was hooked up to a net meter and became operational in early fall. Net metering allows any additional power generated by the panels to go back into the grid and create credits that the school can use in the winter. The long-term plan is to make the solar system off-grid so that the greenhouse can be powered even during power outages from winter storms.
