Solar+Storage Keeps Classrooms Cool In Oahu

Students at Hawaii’s Waialua High and Intermediate on the island of Oahu are returning to school this year to cooler classrooms, thanks to new air conditioning (AC) systems powered by solar PV and energy storage from project partners SimpliPhi Power, Ameresco Solar and Haleakala Solar.

The partners say that as part of the statewide Heat Abatement Program, schools can receive hybrid solar AC units and implement other cooling strategies to bring relief to students currently enduring sweltering educational environments that can reach up to 100 degrees F and make learning a challenge. The solution of classroom AC powered by solar and energy storage helps to control energy costs for schools, which until now has been a major barrier to adding AC to classrooms, the partners add.