Students and Teachers at the Metamora Community School District 1 are enjoying the education and clean energy benefits of small wind turbines on school grounds, as part of Chevron Energy Solutions collaboration effort between Chevron USA, Inc., Metamora Community School District 1, R.C. Wegman Construction Company and Elecitech.
Three Aveo Vivonment 1000’s were installed and are now operated by the school. Each unit is capable of producing 1 Kw. The turbines will generate a small share of the school’s electricity as well as act as an education resource for teachers, students and local residents who might be considering installing wind power.
Engaging the rural school district, teachers and high school students in wind energy education may offer students entering college a background in wind energy applications, to provide the growing wind industry with interested and equipped engineers, and to demonstrate wind energy on a small scale. Rural Communities now have the ability to initiate discussions of its benefit and potential.
“Educating today’s young people about the benefits and mechanics of renewable energy systems prepares them for a wealth of future opportunities and demonstrates the crucial role our rural communities can play in mapping out the future of new energy for Illinois and the country” said Mark Baum, Director of Business Development for R.C. Wegman Construction Company.
The turbines can be used as a teaching tool for several subjects, including science and math. It also gives the community the opportunity to learn more about small wind turbines, how they operate and costs and maintenance. The local utility will also benefit as these turbines are designed to integrate small wind into their distribution system.
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