Shell Solar, PowerLight System Captures Award

Camarillo, California - April 21, 2003 [SolarAccess.com]

The MATCH School (Media and Technology Charter High School) won first prize in the solar electric buildings competition.

The school's 21.6 kW solar electric rooftop system was furnished by PowerLight Corporation. Shell Solar supplied the solar modules with the structure designed by HMFH Architects, Inc. Solar Design Associates partnered with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 103 of Boston to complete the project.

This annual competition, part of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association's (NESEA) Building Energy 2003 Conference, recognizes design projects that advance the aesthetics of green buildings.

Criteria include architectural form that integrates energy-efficiency; Renewable Energy systems; sensitivity to natural surroundings; building "health" for occupants; and the environmental impact of materials, construction and operation.

Shell Solar estimates over 470,000 kWh of pollution-free power will be delivered to the school over the solar panels 25-year lifetime, lowering MATCH's utility costs. The PowerLight PowerGuard solar array also reduces heating and cooling loads and extends the roof life - significantly increasing the school's property value.

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Renewable Energy Trust sponsored the Green Building competition, open to buildings completed after Jan. 1, 1998, in the northeast United States, and to design projects developed by students living in the region.