Facts About Our Solar Installation
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The lower and middle school installation in September of 2018
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A $1 million solar array was bought by Sun Dogs, LLC, a Norfolk Academy parent-owned company
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The system generates about 610 kilowatts, or enough to power about 80 homes
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It is tied to the Dominion Energy power grid, which means Dominion pays Norfolk Academy for electricity generated in excess of what we use
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The owners of Sun Dogs, LLC (NA parents) will fully recoup their investment in about 7 years
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After the parents recoup their investment, the LLC will then give the solar array to the school
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NA gets the solar array with no money out-of-pocket
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Touch kiosks inside the school have a live dashboard that shows the real-time view of actual energy production used by the school
The Numbers
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The solar panels generate about 325 watts each
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Maintenance building: 150 panels
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Middle school: 510 panels
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Lower school: 1200 panels
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The system produces about 610 kilowatts of power total
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Total energy production has reduced the NA’s carbon footprint by about 30%
Benefits for Norfolk Academy
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$80,000 annually in free electricity
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Reduction in need for air conditioning
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Increases life expectancy of our roof
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Decreases the school’s carbon footprint
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Sets a great example of sustainable, green energy production for Hampton Roads
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Enables our students to learn first-hand about renewable energy