System Overview
In December 2017, Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation installed a 330.24kW solar array on 1.5 acres of school property northeast of their Mentone Elementary school building. The estimated annual energy output of the solar array will be enough to power the entire school. It is expected to officially begin producing electricity in March 2018. The SolarCAM stand is a patented product which has been solely manufactured by Craig Welding located about 4 miles from the elementary school in Mentone, Indiana.
Budgetary Motivation
The administration of the school was very interested in providing the students within the corporation with an example of environmentally responsible resource of energy that is also financially prudent. “With concerns about reductions in state funding for public schools, it is imperative we continually explore opportunities that help our schools maintain educational programs and services by generating revenue in new and different ways,” said Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation Superintendent Brett Boggs.
January 2018
Construction Date
330.24kW
System Size
559,680kWh/yr
Avg. Production Estimate
$83,952
Estimated Annual Value
387 tons
Estimated Annual Carbon Offset
Huge Savings Ahead
The electricity produced by the solar array will be sold directly to Northern Indiana Public Service Company, which will credit the school corporation for the electricity produced. “The value of the estimated energy produced by the solar array the first year will be well over $70,000, with additional revenue generated by carbon credits,” said Boggs.
About Mentone Elementary School
Mentone Elementary School is part of the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation and is located in Mentone, Indiana. The elementary school educates around 450 students each year. Ag Technologies is please to be able to partner in that effort because when students of this elementary school go out into the world they will be familiar with solar and how it works to provide low-cost energy that is carbon free. The prediction is that solar will continue its rapid growth and as these students become adults their homes and businesses will be energized in a significant way with solar. Their elementary experience will make them ready for their world as adults.
