Solar panels help students see the light

Launceston Examiner
Tuesday 29/4/2008 Page: 4

SOLAR panels about to pump electricity into the State grid are teaching Launceston College students about global warming. College assistant principal Ross Mansfield yesterday said he expected the seven 1.2m by 900mm panels installed on the roof to be producing power next month. Mr Mansfield said the panels would produce about 1.2kW of power, enough for about 50 light bulbs, but the focus of the $16,000 project was education. He said students would learn how renewable energy could reduce carbon emissions and tackle global warming.

"This will be something science classes will be able to use from now on," Mr Mansfield said. "They can collect data... it's now embedded in our programmes. "It's about awareness of the greenhouse phenomenon and what can be done in terms of renewable energy." He said the coordinating teacher was Udo Westerneng and sponsorship was provided by Jessups Retravision, Tasman Energy, the City of Launceston Lions Club, the Electrical Trades Union, the college's Parent Association and a Federal Government rebate.