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One of five Idaho schools awarded a Solar 4R Schools installation in 2007, William Thomas Middle School is one of the first buildings visible on the drive into American Falls from Interstate 86, and the 1.1-kW solar installation is positioned on its south side facing the town's main thoroughfare, Bannock Avenue.
Although energy generated by the system offsets a portion of the school’s electricity bills, its primary focus is education. Using the Solar 4R Schools curriculum and data from the solar electric system, teachers bring the science of solar power right into their classrooms. Considering the school’s proximity to American Falls Dam, students compare and debate the pros and cons of hydropower vs. solar power to further explore the world of renewable resources.
Idaho Power provided funding for the system through their Green Power program. This voluntary program gives the utility’s customers access to green energy options and fosters growth of renewable resources in the region. Currently, over 2,600 of Idaho Power’s residential and business customers contribute to this program.
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