Elementary School Boosts Learning from Light.

In 1997, Ohio was last among states in generating solar power. Since then, it has vaulted to number 14 in the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Million Solar Roofs Initiative. In October 2000, 1,000 watts of solar-generated electricity were added at Wheelersburg Elementary School during a dedication ceremony for the school's Solar Lab Project. The school helped American Electric Power's (AEP's) Learning from Light program reach 90,000 watts of installed capacity in Ohio. The program teaches local communities about the feasibility reliability and economics of solar electricity and other ways of generating electricity.

In addition to AEP, sponsors of the school's solar project included the Foundation for Environmental Education, the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency and DOE'S Million Solar Roofs Initiative. Students raised money from businesses and individuals to pay for the solar panel system and its connection to the school's electrical system.

According to John Hollback, AEP manager of environmental affairs in Ohio, "This system is an invaluable learning resource for the school and the community Students, teachers, and the public can go to AEP's Learning from Light Web site to see how much solar power is contributing to the electrical needs of the school."

AEP's Learning from Light initiative promotes solar power projects anywhere in the world and offers advice to communities on how to take a system from concept to finished product. Local energy providers, government agencies, and environmental organizations can become partners.

Readers can find more information about Learning from Light at [less than]www.aep.com/environmental/solar[greater than]. The Foundation for Environmental Education also has a site, at [less than]www.The-Environment.org[greater than], that shows a photo of the Wheelersburg school solar panels.