Off Peak

Deck: 
The utility teaches school kids about solar power.
Fortnightly Magazine - November 1 2002
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AEP Spreads the Sunshine

The utility teaches school kids about solar power.

A merican Electric Power (AEP) has launched an innovative program that uses solar power to teach school children about renewable energy while-hopefully-getting them interested in math and science. The "Learning from Light!" program was started in 1999 by AEP, and now boasts membership of its 100th school.

It's a hands-on project for the kids.

The students choose the site and best angle for the solar panel. In fact, AEP has a Web site on how to make electrons work harder, i.e., "make electrons sweat," which details the efficiency of various solar panel angles from a true south, east, or west position. The kids will find out that the tilt of the panel is important. For example, at the first school to take part in the program, Bluffsview School in Ohio, the best tilt for average efficiency was found to be in the 40-degree range.

But to really make the electrons in the solar cells work hard, advises AEP, the students should change the angle every month. AEP points the kids towards a "SUNANGLE" program they can use to figure out the best angles for placement of solar panels for their school, or any location. The Web site explains that solar panels must be kept clean, just as a light bulb must be dusted off to allow all the light into the room.

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