The Acton Solar Panel Project officially began producing power for the Acton schools at a November 17th ribbon-cutting ceremony at Leary Field at 2PM. Kate Crosby of the Acton Climate Action Team reports that the ceremony was attended by State Senator Pam Resor and State Representative Jamie Eldridge.

The Acton Solar Panel Challenge began in February 2007. The first challenge was to attract 150 Acton residents and businesses to donate $150,000 to the New England Wind fund by April 30, 2007, and 177 Acton residents responded.

Based on Acton having met its donation goal, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative committed $25,000 for the purchase and installation of a 2000 Watt solar panel array. In addition, the Town of Acton received $6,000 in matching dollars for the donations above the 150 required, and Cisco Systems (of Boxboro) donated $5,000 toward the project.

The site selection committee picked the concession stand roof at the ABRHS after considering the technical viability, access, and high visibility of all potential sites. The committee reported that the Town and the Schools were very supportive of the process.

The Acton Climate Acton Team, a local group involved in climate, energy, and sustainability issues located at www.actonclimate.org. Acton PIP is the Parent Involvement Project, a coalition of parents, AB schools, educators, and community/business partners located at www.actonpip.org . Critical early support was received from the Acton Climate Action Team, Acton PIP, League of Women Voters Environmental team, and the Envirothon team of ABRHS students.

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