A multi-acre solar array is being planned on campus to help supply Academy power needs, and could supply up to one third of the school’s daily electricity usage. While the project’s realization is still not certain, administrators have taken steps to dedicate five acres east of the tennis courts to the project.
The solar array’s panels would gather direct current solar energy for nearby transformers to convert to direct electricity, to be used by the Academy. This system would connect with the local grid, the present source of the school’s energy. During peak hours of the day, the array would transfer excess energy to the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) grid, and during the night and other times when the solar energy is not enough to support the campus, the Academy would receive energy from this grid, but at a lower price.
Faculty and staff are having extensive discussions with numerous companies. Although the school has actively pursued the project, it is not certain that the solar array will be built, according to Treasurer Gary Gordon. “We’re not hiding the idea, but it is still subject to negotiation,” he said. “It’s a business proposition and can break down at any time… We all know it’s great for the planet, but it must be financially sound [for business partners] to work out.” However, according to Gordon, the project is far past the idea stage. “Though in flux, there are contracts, agreements, and drawings already,” Gordon said. If the negotiations are successful, the array could be up and running before school restarts in the fall.
The one megawatt solar array would make it one of the country’s largest serving academic needs. Consisting of over fifteen thousand photovoltaic modules, its output would be approximately 2.2 kilowatt hours per year. The array will be a dominant aspect of the Academy open space. “It will be a beautiful, curving black sea,” Head of School Andy Watson said.
One main purpose of the solar array project is to reduce the school’s carbon footprint. The array itself would also not adversely affect the environment, and no harmful gases or waste would be produced. “I am hoping that the solar array will provide our community with a visible demonstration of our commitment to a sustainable future,” said Karen Temple-Beamish, Sustainability Coordinator.
According to John Christensen, director of the physical plant, the project’s inspiration came about one and a half years ago. Watson learned of the realistic possibilities at a gathering and then “called me to touch base,” Christensen said. “From there, we began researching the technology and meeting with outside parties.”
The Academy would play the role of a “solar host” in the project. According to Christensen, Academy land and infrastructure would be used, but the deal involves many corporations. The next step is to work out the final details with PNM, as well as solar, construction and financial companies. Then the school would obtain permits from the city to begin building.
Outside of the east end of the Science Building, there is