FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 4, 2004
CONTACT: Jeff Prather, (407) 893-7860
                 

Lyman High School Receives Solar Electric System

--Solar energy to light classrooms and imaginations --

LONGWOOD - As Florida celebrates Clean Air Month, another Florida school will use the state’s free supply of sunshine to light classrooms and the imaginations of students. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with Progress Energy, the Florida Solar Energy Center and Seminole County Schools, today powered up a newly installed solar electric system at Lyman High School in Longwood.

“Planning for future energy demands ensures a brighter tomorrow for Florida,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy Allan Bedwell. “Installing solar technology in Florida's schools protects our environment and quality of life while also providing an unparalleled educational opportunity for students.”

The solar electric system is a part of Florida’s SunSmart Schools Program, which is installing 29 solar electric systems in schools throughout the state. The program combines state funding with private partnerships to provide clean energy and science education. Lyman High School is the 26th SunSmart installation, representing 112,520 watts of electricity now being generated by solar power in Florida’s schools.

“Florida’s energy and environmental futures are inextricably linked,” said Deputy Secretary Bedwell. “The most important source of energy is the energy we conserve. Advancing clean energy technologies conserves resources, prevents pollution, saves taxpayer dollars and, in this case, teaches valuable lessons to the leaders of tomorrow.”

Unlike fossil fuels, the energy created by the solar unit emits no noise or pollution. The electric power generated by the system will be used to power the school’s classrooms, with excess energy returned to the local power grid. The system will also provide an on site classroom for students to learn more about solar power and the benefits of energy conservation.

“We are very excited about this unique opportunity,” said Lyman High School Principal Sam Momary. “This puts our school on the cutting edge of technology, and we are grateful to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Progress Energy for their generosity in providing us with this wonderful learning tool.”

Lyman High School is home to the Institute of Engineering, a pre-engineering curriculum with an emphasis on mathematics and science. Students involved in this program use the most current technology and are academically challenged to achieve at their highest potential.