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