‘LET your Light So Shine’ has become more than a motto for the 57-year old co-ed institution Meadowbrook High, which has made the move to solar for the 2015 new school year.

Principal Michael Peart had initially proposed the venture three years ago, at the beginning of his tenure, as part of the school’s action plan. He believed that ‘going green’ was a step in the right direction, in keeping with the school’s evolving energy needs. Making it his mandate for the 2015 term, Peart contracted ATL Energy, an arm of Appliance Traders Limited (ATL), based on competitive quotations and the reputable strength of the company.

“Our average electricity bills were ranging as high as $500,000 and this was becoming a strain on our limited funds so we were more than ready to make the energy switch with ATL,” he said.

Now completed, phase one of the installation — valued at $4.2 million dollars — includes 84 solar panels and five grid tie inverters mounted on the auditorium roof. The 25 KWh system will generate 30 per cent of the school’s electricity during their peak periods. During the summer months when school is not in session, the plan is to reap the benefits of selling unused power to Jamaica Public Service and heighten the return on the school’s investment.

Peart said the school will look into expanding its solar grid in the near future.

Mark Blair, head of engineering at ATL Energy noted: “I am always proud to work with and assist educational institutions take strides to become more eco-efficient. This teaches future generations that energy is to be conserved and to think outside the box as there are alternate methods outside of traditional energy supplies.”

As a gift to further promote energy conservation, ATL Energy presented Meadowbrook with a complimentary 9,000 BTU Inverter AC.

An aerial view of Meadowbrook’s PV system installed by ATL. (PHOTO: Skycam Jamaica)