Over $800,000 in seven months
Herbert Morrison Technical High School Community is now enjoying a fully operational 3,000 watt grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system which was installed at the institution through partial funding earned by students who placed second in the 16 to 19 age category of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica’s (PCJ) Schools Energy Programme Science Competition in 2016.
The team of Maryck Brown, Alex Lake, Samuel Smith and Shaquille Thomas entered the competition with a model which depicted how renewable energy could be utilised to supply electricity to a building at their school which is located in Montego Bay. The students, who were awarded $40,000 each in prize money, also earned a $500,000 grant from the PCJ to implement a renewable energy project at their school.
The school topped up the PCJ’s contribution and worked in collaboration with the company’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Department to install a $750,000 PV system which provides power for its Industrial Arts staff room and two classroom blocks. Since its installation in February 2017, the system has produced approximately 2,600 kWh which has saved the institution close to $88,000.
In addition to generating energy, the apparatus is also being used to teach students in the technical and science streams about the practical applications of renewable energy technology.
The system was handed over during the school’s general assembly a week ago.
“On behalf of the entire school body, I would like to thank the PCJ for their contribution which has helped to lower our school’s energy costs. Thank you for also giving our students the opportunity to participate in your energy competition and to be good examples to their peers,” said vice-principal Tammi-Terrelle Smith addressing the gathering.
In response the PCJ’s Manager, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Dr Peter Ruddock said, “I am happy that Samuel, Maryck, Shaquille and Alex decided to enter the PCJ Schools Energy Programme because in doing so they have brought a tangible benefit to their school that will last long after they have graduated.
“I hope that this project has made more students become aware of the importance of renewable energy and of energy efficiency and conservation and that others will be inspired to express their knowledge and innovation by developing practical solutions for their school,” he added.
Since its inception in 2003, the PCJ’s Schools Energy Programme has been exposing primary and secondary level students across the island to energy-related issues through seminars and tours of energy facilities. Participants are also afforded the opportunity to enter the Programme’s essay, science and poster competitions where they can win cash and other prizes. The energy project grant was instituted in 2016.