Project Summary
Although rated at only 640 watts, the Ballard High School system offers hands-on educational benefits to high school students interested in renewables. Students of chemistry teacher Jeff Cleaveland helped assemble the array of four solar electric modules mounted on a pole just east of the main entrance to the newly renovated school.
"We may run out of fossil fuels in our kids' lifetime," Cleaveland announced at a switch-throwing dedication in October 2003.
The installation features Green Power's first solar weather station, recording the temperature of the air and on the solar panels, wind speed, and radiation levels - all of which affect the system's performance.
Founded in 1901, Ballard High School is the oldest continuously operating high school program in the city. Back then there were only three people on the faculty, including the principal. The first graduating class had four members and held its commencement on June 23, 1902.
The old Ballard High School was demolished in 1997 to make room for the current facility, an architectural marvel at 1418 NW 65th St. that can accommodate more than 1,500 students.
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Students assemble the array.
The assembled array passes its test in the sun.
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