Jones-Onslow EMC Supports Solar School

Jones-Onslow EMC CEO Jeff Clark with Queens Creek Elementary student representative Maggie Milbery at the ribbon-cutting ceremony (Photo courtesy of Jones-Onslow EMC).

Queens Creek Elementary School in Onslow County recently unveiled a new 5-kW PV solar installation, provided through an NC GreenPower grant program. Funding for the panels was provided by NC GreenPower, the State Employees’ Credit Union, Jacksonville-based Jones-Onslow EMC, Cypress Creek Renewables, and donations from school staff and families.

It is the eighth installation funded through the NC GreenPower Solar School program and the first on electric co-op lines. The school installation includes a weather station, real-time monitoring, an associated curriculum and training for teachers.

“These panels represent more than just producing some renewable electricity — they represent the beginning of the future in our industry and in your world,” Jones-Onslow EMC CEO Jeff Clark told students at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We’ve all heard the old adage about a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. We are taking that step today. And all along this journey, we will be creating a brighter future for all of us and those who come behind us.”

Queens Creek Elementary School has been an NC Green School of Excellence since 2014, an honor that recognizes K–12 schools in the state dedicated to sustainability.

“We are so excited to be bringing this wonderful opportunity to our school, community and students,” said Queens Creek Principal Elaine Justice. “Not only will we be modeling good stewardship, but our students will also use the solar array to enhance their math and science curriculum.”

Major components of the roughly $40,000 pole-mounted solar system include 12 SunPower solar modules provided by NC GreenPower, interactive inverters, and an internet monitoring system that provides students with solar irradiation, ambient air temperature, module temperature and other data.

The grid-tied array is estimated to produce about 6,570 kWh each year, with a potential cost savings to the school of $657 annually. The panels will provide power to the school library and cafeteria.

The Raleigh-based NC GreenPower (ncgreenpower.com) is administered by Advanced Energy, a nonprofit that focuses on energy efficiency for residential, commercial and industrial markets, and electric transportation.