As part of the movement for a more sustainable, eco-friendly Richmond Vale, one of the most recent projects we have embarked on is to become dependent on only solar powered energy. The movement within the renewable energy sector in the modern day is rapidly growing, and so its vital, we as a climate centre, divert away from the exploitation of finite and unsustainable energy resources, and begin to produce clean, renewable energy.
To become most sustainable – its important to evaluate the type energy production that would be most efficient within the surrounding environment. For example, St Vincent averages 8 sunlight hours a day – with 4 of these being maximum efficiency for solar energy production, therefore the installation of 120 Solar units were optimal, in comparison to the investment of wind turbines with the leeward side of the island, which is deficient in the required wind power to produce enough electricity for the academy.
The solar installation process was a challenging, yet exciting project to become involved with. Learning how to install panels from the first step to the last is a great skill to hold for future development programmes I will work within and so I count myself extremely lucky to have experienced this, and to see the benefits our projects have on the local communities. It is also extremely fascinating that Richmond has now been running on Solar energy for 4 months now, being completely off the grid – something I'm very proud to have helped achieve!
Let the green movement continue!
Conor, March Team 2018
