The Solar Pavilion is complete!
Construction Pictures -- March 2016
Students pulling wire.
In 2013-2014 the BLADE club was looking for their next big project, but were having trouble coming up with ideas. Several of the club members were also in Cross Country, and would often take early-morning practice runs in the city park. Joanna, one of the members, commented how parts of the park were always so dark, particularly near the pavilion. It would be nice if the pavilion had lights. Discussing this, we suddenly realized it was the perfect project. We would be doing something for the community, and solar was an obvious answer since at the time there was no electrical service nearby. So, we rolled up our sleeves and got right to work sketching out initial designs (pics 1 2 3). The project has taken a bit longer than expected, but it will all be worth it once the lights are shining brightly.
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Scoping Out the Site
2013: Club members discuss where to locate the batteries and other components.
Detailed Plans (download packet)
Project Specifications:
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Meeting with City of Taylor and Taylor Parks Board
BLADE students pitched their project to the Taylor Parks & Rec Board as well as the city council. In order to pitch the idea, students had to prepare a brief presentation and prepare discussion points. City officials asked some questions about maintenance and longevity of the project, but appeared very satisfied with the student responses and unanimously approved the project.
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Donations
Special thanks to these companies who responded generously to student letters requesting support:
Also thanks to ERCOT's Community Involvement Committee for employee volunteers and Project LOOP for providing business connections. |