Solar energy isn’t just for homes. Zeeland Middle School installed these solar photovoltaic panels on their school building. These panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, which is then fed through an electronic device called an inverter, and right into the school’s electrical system. Lights and equipment in the building get some of their energy from the panels. In science class, the students learn about solar energy and how the solar panels on their roof work! In addition, the inverter has software allowing students and teachers to monitor the output of the system right on the Internet. The solar system on Zeeland Middle School:

• Is rated at 1 kW (1,000 watts) and provides a small portion of the school’s electrical needs
   
• Is an educational tool to show students how solar photovoltaics work
   
• Will be used to teach about 200 students each year