120+ reasons to be excited about our future

Yesterday marked the dedication event for the new 31kw solar array at Rainshadow Community Charter High School in Reno, Nevada.  Rainshadow is a free, public charter school that offers an alternative path to higher academic achievement for its students, and nearly all of them were on hand as Black Rock Solar kicked off a new era of solar-powered classrooms.

all VIP access

Things were kicked off with a rendition of “Kilowatts & Climate Change,” a play produced by our very own Rosalie Barnes and Marnee Benson that teaches kids about renewable energy, climate change, conservation, and environmental stewardship.  Emceed by BRS Executive Director Tom Price, the play engaged the Rainshadow student body as they became the earth, sun, ocean, and forests.  Special thanks to Rony Carrasco who delivered an inspired performance as our spinning globe.

the earth, before being buried under a carbon blanket

After the play everyone convened on the roof to see the new solar array on this beautiful sunny afternoon.  Science teacher Joe Ferguson read the instruments and found that the array was actually producing over 32kW of energy, more than the amount the panels are even rated for.  Score!

Principal Steve West addressed the students and introduced representatives from NV Energy who gave the school a giant rebate check in the amount of $143,230.  In addition to the one-time rebate, Rainshadow can expect to save about $6,600 a year on their utility bill.  That’s 66,000 in just the first ten years.

check this!

Rainshadow does a lot for the Reno/Sparks community, including providing a venue for The Holland Project All-Ages Music and Arts.   After the rooftop dedication, Rainshadow student and Holland Project supporter Natalie Rowe performed on stage to the delight of her fellow students and all those in attendance.  Holland Project Executive Director Britt Curtis was excited to present their first solar-powered rock star in what is believed to be the first solar-powered all-ages venue in the country.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the dedication event and especially to our amazing construction crew who continues to knock it out of the park on these installations.