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MSS solar panel data
See how much energy our solar panels are producing in real time:
http://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/HEMW14359

MOTHER SETON SCHOOL SOARS WITH SOLAR

As the only parochial school in Frederick County to be designated as a Maryland Green School, Mother Seton School (MSS) continues to grow greener, and now has gone solar! MSS is the proud owner of a 1.75 kilowatt solar energy system that was recently installed by Standard Solar from Rockville MD. The system consists of five solar panels that are located on the south side of the school atrium and visible to all visitors to the school.

Not only will the solar panels reduce 53 tons of carbon and help save money on the electric bill, but the panels have a great educational value for the students. The system powers the school's Science Lab and is tied to the school's main electrical panel. All students throughout the school are able to track in their classrooms the solar production according to the time of year, time of day, and other environmental factors with the computer based Locus Monitoring System. Students can also see a display indicating the amount of carbon reduced based on solar production.

Continuing the school's mission as a vibrant, Christ-centered community, the solar panels were dedicated and blessed on March 1 by Pastor Jon Greenstone of Elias Lutheran Church, Emmitsburg. Pastor Greenstone, along with Jerry Schwartz, an environmental engineer from Taneytown, were honored with the school's Seton Values Award for their work on the MSS Green School Committee and specifically for researching and obtaining the solar panels. "Throughout their time as part of the Green School Committee, both Pastor Jon and Jerry have brought to bear their mutual interests, understanding, and desire to meet the needs of our world through a greater understanding of alternative energy sources to the students of Mother Seton School," said Sister JoAnne Goecke, Principal. "Additionally, their input and interest has led to the purchasing of two small windmills that will be able to be part of our Science classes," continued Sister JoAnne.

The purchase of the solar panels was made possible with the assistance of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Plamondon, a PNC Bank grant, a MD State Solar grant, and a partnership with Standard Solar.
Other efforts by students and staff to be more environmentally conscious include on-campus flower, fruit, and vegetable gardens planted and maintained by various grades and the creation of a registered Monarch Butterfly Way Station to help butterflies reproduce and sustain their migration. The school has also changed floor stripping, regular and hazardous cleaning supplies to eco-friendly products. These new products offer superior, eco-friendly performance and have saved the school money. MSS has also recently replaced all paper dispensers and now uses recycled paper products.

The community is welcome to visit the school to view the solar panels and other "green features" including our outdoor nature trail along Willow Rill. To schedule an appointment, please call 301-447-3161 or email development@mothersetonschool.org.

Standard Solar from Rockville, MD installed solar panels on the south side of the atrium at Mother Seton School, Emmitsburg. The panels are visible from the front of the school.

Mother Seton School eighth grade students, Ashleigh Bush and Andrew Eusini, view the amount of carbon that is being reduced by the school's solar panels on their classroom computer.