Good News About Polk County Public Schools

Three Polk schools are among 90 in Florida chosen to  receive a 10,000-watt solar electric emergency shelter power system as part of the SunSmart Schools Emergency Shelter program. The 90 schools include elementary, middle and high schools and one university, the University of Florida.

A physical requirement of the program is that the school needed approximately 1,000 square feet of unobstructed, unshaded space to place the system.

The SunSmart Schools program is coordinated by the Florida Solar Energy Center, a research institute of the University of Central Florida. The selection process was competitive as schools had to apply to be considered for the program. Visit www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/education/sunsmart/e-shelters/faq.htm for more information about SunSmart Schools Emergency Shelter program.

The Florida Solar Energy Center hopes to have all 90 schools, including the three Polk schools, equipped with the 10,000-watt photovoltaic (solar electric) emergency shelter power systems by April 2012.

Criteria for selection included each school’s responses to numerous questions on an application. Questions on the application included geographic information, information about the school overall and its sheltering capability, partnership opportunities and educational interest.

The educational component is a key goal of the program.  Students at Dr. N.E. Roberts, Haines City High and Palmetto and other schools will be able to learn and see first-hand about renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation. Science kits related to the system and the Energy Whiz Web site will also be utilized in the instruction.

Educational objectives include:

• Students will gain a basic understanding of how solar thermal and photovoltaic systems work
• Students will improve their skills in science and mathematics through the use of inquiry methods as they explore concepts of energy
• Students will understand the importance of renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy conservation to their future
• Students will be exposed to careers in the renewable energy and green industries

The three Polk schools will send a minimum of two faculty members to attend orientation workshops hosted by the Florida Solar Energy Center. The workshops will provide teachers with valuable guidance in incorporating the solar educational materials and curriculum into the classroom and incorporating the Web-based learning tools.

Each school will send a facilities management staff member to attend workshops to learn operation tips, maintaining and troubleshooting the photovoltaic system and additional information about efficient building use and energy practices. Emergency management personnel from the Polk County Board of County Commissioners will also participate in the workshop.

A side view of a solar electric emergency shelter power system.                                           A solar electric emergency shelter power system,

A similar system will be built at Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary,                                              similar to this one at a Florida high school,

Haines City High and Palmetto Elementary.                                                                        will soon be built at three Polk schools.