Newark School Installs Groundbreaking Wind/Solar Street Light

NEWARK, NJ — A cutting-edge, “off-the-grid” street light at Science Park High School in Newark will provide power and a unique learning opportunity for students.

The remote power unit (RPU) street light – which is solar and wind-powered – was first pitched in the fall of 2019, when Newark Board of Education members and administrators met with Aris Wind to talk about bringing more renewable energy solutions to the district.

After researching the idea, administrators eventually decided to locate the new light outside of Science Park High School, where it will be incorporated into the STEM curriculum.

See photos of the street light here.

According to the board of education:

“The wind turbine and solar panel on the RPU will provide 100 percent renewable clean energy. Improving the safety and security of the grounds, it will provide power and light, even in the event of a grid outage. The RPU will capture wind and solar energy year-round which can be stored for up to five days, depending on usage and demand.”

Superintendent of Schools Roger León said the RPU is aligned with the district’s recently released strategic plan, “The Next Decade: 2020-30.”

It’s also a leap forward for Newark, he added.

“The installation of the RPU is the first of its kind to be installed in the City of Newark,” León said. “It will teach and expose our students to different ways to be leaders in helping their community become more sustainable.”

“I want to thank Superintendent León and Mr. Steve Morlino for allowing me and my staff to be a part of such a progressive team,” said Director of Energy and Sustainability Rodney Williams, who helped to advocate for the street light last year.

“We took advantage of the opportunity to do something beyond the need of light, and our students and community will benefit from years to come,” Williams said.

• See related article: Montclair State, Wind Farm Co. Launch Clean Energy Partnership
• See related article: New Jersey To Be Home To Nation's First Wind Port, Murphy Says
• See related article: Solar Panels At Short Hills Mall Will Power Half Of Common Area

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