A student initiative at Chemainus Secondary School is setting a shining example for the rest of the Cowichan Valley.
Students Daniella LoScerbo and Angelina Rose, members of the school's BC Hydro Energy Ambassador program, came up with the idea of installing solar panels on the school last May, when they were in Grade 10. The concept came to fruition in December, and the panels were unveiled on Jan. 18.
"It's really exciting," LoScerbo said while checking out the four panels on the school roof. "It means that we can make a difference."
Two other schools – Cowichan Secondary and Frances Kelsey – picked up on the concept and had solar panels installed on their roofs as well. The system at Chemainus should provide around 40 per cent of the building's domestic hot water, while the percentages at the larger schools will be at least 15 per cent. This will allow the schools to shut down their boilers when demand for hot water is lower, saving significant funds.