Schools

Solar Panels Installed at Commack Schools

Solar Panels will generate 9 percent of the electricity for four of the districts schools and were funded by the EXCEL grant from New York state.

The Solar Panels are installed and currently supplying 9 percent of the electricity for Commack High School, Commack Middle School and at Burr Intermediate School and John-Mandracchia-Sawmill Intermediate School. 

Operations of Facilities Administrator, Kevin Carpenter, said this is yet another step in the district's strategies to reduce their carbon footprint and that he anticipates increased energy savings over the year. 

These panels were funded by the EXCEL project and construction began in June. According to the district, the schools are equipped with a web based Solar Electic System Status Monitoring System which allows the production of energy to be monitored in real time. The functions of these monitors and panels will be incorporated into the students' education this year. 

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Each 50 kilowatt system will power the equivalent of approximately 10,000 square feet of building, and will take about 9 percent of the power from each building, with an estimated annual average electrical savings of $40,000 per year.

The systems installed at the schools include nominal 50 kilowatt Photovoltaic Arrays, consisting of 224 Sharp Poly-Crystalline PV modules, rated at 224 watts each.

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The panels are supported by a fixed 10 degree angle photovoltaic racking system, designed to withstand 110 mph / 3 second gust wind velocities, as required by New York State Building Code.  The racking system is self ballasted, to eliminate potentially problematic roof penetrations, and to maintain the current roofing system warranties.


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