Northwood Schools to cut ribbon for new solar array on Oct. 6

        Northwood Schools will host a Solar Open House on Friday, Oct. 6 at 9:30 a.m. as the district prepares to receive power from its newly installed 296 kW solar array.
        The event, which will include at tour of the solar array, will be held at 600 Lemoyne Rd., Northwood. The array is located directly behind Northwood High School’s practice soccer field. A solar demonstration will be held in the gym at 9:45 a.m.
        The district will use the project to educate students about solar energy and for other science learning experiences. Science classes will have a solar energy dashboard so students can observe how much energy is being produced at any given time.
        “We’re excited about the learning opportunities the solar array will provide for Northwood students,” Northwood Schools Superintendent Jason Kozina said. “While the district’s savings on energy costs are significant and important, the opportunity for students to receive first-hand knowledge of how alternative energy sources work is invaluable.”             
          The solar array, which consists of 714 panels manufactured in Georgia, was designed and installed by GEM Energy, a member of the Rudolph Libbe Group, of Walbridge. The array was financed by Madison Energy Investments of New York. The district expects 35 to 40 percent of its power needs to be supplied by the solar array.
        “We are proud to have partnered with Northwood Schools on this transformative solar project,” said Richard Walsh, CEO of Madison Energy Investments. “Madison Energy Investments is committed to supporting educational institutions like Northwood in their transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. This solar array not only delivers significant energy savings but also serves as a powerful educational tool, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy to the next generation of leaders.”