New Britain High School

Solar Photovoltaic

System Size (kW DC): 275.30

Expected Annual Electricity Generation (kWh): 300,223

Click here to view live energy data from this system!

A Teaching and Learning Tool

New Britain High School’s solar installation, completed in 2008, is an excellent example of a building-integrated solar PV system – installed as part of a re-roofing project. The project involved the installation of 370 solar panels, two inverters and five miles of electrical wire beneath the roofing membrane. The electricity generated from the 275.30-kilowatt solar array should save the school district approximately $45,000 to $50,000 annually.

Beyond these savings, the school will benefit from using the solar panels for educational purposes. Lessons in alternative power generation have been incorporated into the curriculum, and teachers and students can access data regarding hourly, weekly, monthly and annual power generation through a special website. Additionally, a kiosk displaying information about the solar array resides in the school’s lecture hall.

The director of facilities management for New Britain Public Schools noted that the project has made a significant impact in the reduction of the city’s carbon footprint and opened the minds of local residents to the importance of mitigating global warming.

Combined financial incentives from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund and the Bureau of School Facilities made this project possible, significantly reducing the net cost to the city of New Britain.