Want to install a wind turbine at a Pennsylvania school? Penn State University would like to help.
The Penn State Wind Application Center is one participant in the Wind for Schools Project, a U.S. Department of Energy initiative that’s operating in 11 states. Through the program, elementary, middle and high schools can have a small (2.4 kilowatts, to be exact) wind turbine installed to produce electricity and introduce wind power in the classroom.
“It’s really not intended to take a huge chunk out of the school’s energy costs,” says Susan Stewart of Penn State, who is directing the project. “The educational component is really the key.”
As part of Wind for Schools, teachers at participating schools will receive training on how to integrate wind power into their lesson plans. One aim of the national project is to develop kids’ interest in working in the wind-power industry as adults.
Stewart says each wind turbine will cost around $20,000. Each school will be asked to cover part of the cost and Penn State will help find grants and donations for the rest. Penn State hopes to have between three and five turbines installed each year through the program.
Wind for Schools applications should be available soon. The State College Area School District is already interested in building a turbine at an elementary school under construction.
Source: Susan Stewart, Penn State Wind Application Center
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen
