For Release: 10/02/2009

Elcho High School Celebrates SolarWise!

News Media Invite

Elcho, WI - WPS Community Foundation is pleased to welcome Elcho High School to the SolarWise® for Schools family.

In August, the school received a 2-kilowatt solar-electric system on the rooftop. Dedication ceremonies for the solar-electric system will be held on Tuesday, October 6, at 8:30 a.m. in the high school gymnasium. See the following agenda for complete details and for photo opportunities.

The system was donated to the school by the WPS Community Foundation as part of the SolarWise® for Schools program. Forty-three other public and private schools have received solar-electric systems since the program began in 1996. The program is funded by donations from 3,200 Wisconsin Public Service customers and grants from the Focus on Energy program.

The school's 2-kilowatt solar-electric system will generate about 2,900 kilowatt-hours per year. That's enough electricity to light three classrooms and save the school about $320 on their electric bills. In addition to the solar equipment, the school was awarded a three-week renewable energy curriculum to be integrated into the science curriculum. Students and teachers can access data from the solar-electric systems via the Internet and use the information in classroom projects throughout the year.

"SolarWise for Schools creates a win-win-win situation," said Leah Van Zile, Community Relations Leader, Wisconsin Public Service. "The schools save some money, it's beneficial to the environment and, most importantly, students learn first-hand about renewable energy."

AGENDA
8:30 a.m. - Dedication Ceremony in the school gymnasium - open to students, staff and the public. Media and members of the public must register at the school office.

9:00 a.m. - WPS Energy Fair in the multi-purpose room - open to students, staff and the public. Media and members of the public must register at the school office.

Indoor displays feature SolarWise for Schools, Renewable Energy, Benefits of Tree Planting, Hydroelectric Facilities, Path-to-Ground Safety Demonstration and Utility Careers.

Outdoor displays Solar Education Trailer and tour of solar panels.

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