Promise Project 3

Youth ask for Solar for Carmel Clay Schools

Now that the City of Carmel has a Climate Action Plan, Youth Leaders turn their attention to Carmel Clay Schools.

Why should CCS invest in solar?


HSE installed solar arrays in 2019 at three different schools (Sand Creek Elementary, Sand Creek
Intermediate and Hamilton Intermediate and Junior High) for a total of 4,800 solar panels at the cost of $2.8 million.

The schools use an average of 3,270,539 kWh of power each year. In 2022, just 846,896 kWh of power was
purchased — which saved nearly $350,000 in energy costs.  In addition, solar was able to offset a dramatic economic impact when energy rates spiked that year from 8-10 cents to nearly 15 cents per kWh. 

https://www.thisisfishers.com/hse-solar/

The $2.8 million solar project is being financed by a four-year bond issue and is projected to pay for itself in 11 years through electricity cost savings.

The curriculum Ameresco provided will help teachers educate students about the latest innovations in renewable energy technology and the importance of sustainability for the future of our environment.

https://www.larryinfishers.com/2019/07/23/solar-power-coming-to-more-hse-schools/

“(The solar panels are) going to help us avoid over $300,000 of utility costs per year, producing energy for schools for more than 30 years,” Bourff said. “Schools have to operate with an intention to good financial decision-making, but schools exist to educate students, and if we are to see students emerge from our classrooms as thought leaders, change agents and concerned citizens, then we have to turn them loose on problems and challenges that excite their curiosity and arouse their creativity. That’s what this is all about. This project was designed as a component of our curriculum.

https://www.youarecurrent.com/2019/08/29/hamilton-southeastern-schools-flips-the-switch-for-solar-farm/