The fifth graders from Bradford Elementary School in Bradford, VT are learning all about renewable energy. From wind and biomass to hydro-power and solar, the students are learning about the benefits  and types of renewable energy sources. Today, they took a field trip around Bradford to see local business and town residents who are using renewable energy. They visited the local hardware store to learn about making your home more energy efficient, the hydro electric dam, a homeowner who is “off-grid, a restaurant that is composting food waste, and an appliance store to learn about the energy star program. The last stop on their field trip took them to Farm-Way to see the 58 kW solar photovoltaic system that Farm-Way installed with groSolar in 2009. I was on hand to talk about solar energy and Skip Metayer, of Farm-Way, showed off their system. These kids knew their stuff about solar energy! They knew all of the answers to the solar quiz and won some cool prizes. It’s great to see kids learning about renewable energy and energy efficiency early!

Mr. Williams' students from Bradford Elementary School

This past winter as the snow was flying in Vermont and the wind was howling, we installed a 58 kW solar array at Farm-Way in Bradford, VT. By December Farm-Way was making approximately 43% of their electrical needs with their new solar system. Farm-Way hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate their solar installation and Vermont Governor Jim Douglas was on hand to speak and cut the ribbon. This system saves approximately 76,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to 11 passenger cars off the road or planting 1500 tree seedlings and growing them for 10 years. Not only is Farm-Way making clean solar electricity but they are becoming more energy efficient overall thus utilizing the solar power they are creating to supply the majority of their electrical needs. You can see a live stream of their solar system here.