It is awesome to see one of our educational institutions following the city’s example in making sustainability a priority. I’m especially proud that these new solar panels are helping to power a space where our children are studying and learning.
Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) May 01, 2014
On May 12th, 2014 at 11am, Las Vegas Mayor, Carolyn Goodman, will be presenting Mountain View Christian School with a proclamation recognizing their decision to utilize solar energy to provide electrical power for their school facilities. Mayor Goodman is expected to give a brief speech about the benefits of this project, as well as Senior Pastor Tom Van Kempen from Mountain View Christian School.
While this project has now concluded and the solar system is in full production, the journey to get here started about two years ago, in 2012. Scott Shaw, Director of Research and Development for Service 1st Energy Solutions, approached Mountain View Christian School to discuss the financial benefits of solar power for their school. “Since solar energy offers such large financial rewards, it’s a great resource for consumers and businesses,” says Shaw. “This opportunity for solar was even better because we were able to apply for a monetary award through NVEnergy to eliminate upfront costs.”
Mountain View Christian School was originally awarded the funds for a solar system, sized at approximately 50kW. However, the school required a larger system to cover their energy consumption, as displayed in their historical data usage from NVEnergy. In February 2013, under the governing law of the Nevada Revised Statutes, Shaw petitioned the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada for an award that would cover an additional 730kW. In June 2013, the award was granted for a total 780kW system.
That same month, Service 1st Energy Solutions began construction planning and zoning. Then in August, Service 1st Energy Solutions started installing the largest solar system in Nevada for a private school. However, this was no ordinary installation. The Mountain View Christian School project spanned over a five month period, incorporating the manpower of 15 installation technicians and five project managers on staff. Traditional rooftop mounting was first installed on the existing building. Then, to meet the requirements of the system, Service 1st Energy Solutions had to construct shade structures, which would also provide additional rooftop space for solar panels. When that was completed, Service 1st Energy Solutions devised a plan for the remainder of the system to be ground mounted. This meant that a security fence would need to be installed to protect the panels, as would landscaping for aesthetic purposes. Finally, in December 2013, the system was completed and passed inspections from both the city of Las Vegas, as well as NVEnergy.
“Sustainability has been a hallmark of the city of Las Vegas for many years,” Mayor Carolyn Goodman said. “It is awesome to see one of our educational institutions following the city’s example in making sustainability a priority. I’m especially proud that these new solar panels are helping to power a space where our children are studying and learning.”
This project has created a substantial difference for Mountain View Christian School by providing significant monthly savings on power bills, which are directly passed on to the families of the school. Additionally, the use of clean energy has become a foundation for building student awareness and generating interest in Science coursework.
Event Details
This event will be held outdoors at Mountain View Christian School, at the solar installation site at 11am on May 12th, 2014. A proclamation will be presented by Mayor Carolyn Goodman. Speeches are expected from Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Pastor Tom Van Kempen with and opening overview and introductions by Scott Shaw and Dr. Crystal Van Kempen McClanahan.
About Service 1st Energy Solutions
Service 1st Energy Solutions specializes in energy efficient packages including HVAC upgrades, weatherization options and solar power for both Las Vegas residences and commercial businesses. With over 25 years of experience serving southern Nevada, Service 1st Energy Solutions focuses on educating consumers about energy efficient solutions. Installations completed by Service 1st Energy Solutions include over 15,000 solar panels that are currently generating over 2 megawatts of solar power to the Las Vegas area.