School to Unveil 4J's First Renewable Energy Installation | Community Spirit

Grant-funded solar array powers up at Adams Elementary

The first renewable power system in the Eugene School District will be unveiled during a Nov. 9 ceremony at Adams Elementary School, 950 W. 22nd Ave. The event will take place after school, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The $133,000 project, which sits atop the school’s cafeteria, will help generate electricity and provide hot water for the school. The 6.44 kilowatt photovoltaic system is the culmination of a two-year collaboration between Eugene School District 4J, the Eugene Water & Electric Board, and the University of Oregon’s Environmental Leadership Program.

Last year, Adams Elementary School won a $100,000 Greenpower grant from EWEB following a vote of the utility’s Greenpower customers. The school also garnered from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation $33,000 in educational materials, training and a kiosk that will track the system’s energy output minute by minute.

The Adams solar array began operating in late October. In addition to lowering the school’s utility costs, it will serve as an educational tool for Adams students and for the community at large.

The project also aligns with the City of Eugene’s efforts to meet its climate energy action goals.

The event is open to all and will feature several speakers. A variety of activities are planned, including smoothies prepared in bicycle-powered blenders, solar energy activities, and a demonstration of the school’s “boltage” meter, which monitors the emission and carbon savings of students who walk or ride bikes to school.

Adams was the first elementary school in 4J to achieve merit-level status under the Oregon Green Schools program. It is currently working to gain the program’s top tier, the premier level.

Attendees are encouraged to walk, ride bikes or take the bus to the event.