Our 2012 “Coolest Site for an Array” award definitely goes to Sandy Spring Friends School (SFSS) – if you don’t remember why, see this. On Wednesday, we joined more than 500 students, faculty and friends of the school to celebrate the completion of the 477 kW solar array. Our VIP guests included Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, as well as representatives from the Maryland Energy Administration and the office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. It was a beautiful day as we gathered to recognize the outstanding commitment made by the school to renewable energy and environmental leadership.

Students gather near the array

The solar array is situated next to the SSFS Adventure Park, and will provide clean, renewable energy to the SSFS campus. The estimated carbon offset of a system this size is 504 metric tons, which is equivalent to removing almost 99 passenger vehicles per year from the road, or a reduction of 1,173 barrels of oil consumed.

CEO Tony Clifford addresses the assembled crowd. SSFS student, SSFS Head of School, Tom Gibian, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, UGI Performance Solution’s Chuck Miller, General Manager and SSFS Director of Operations Laura Miyoshi watch on

The ribbon is cut – it's official!

The Sandy Spring Friends School has made a remarkable commitment to environmental stewardship as guided by Quaker values. In addition to the solar array, there is also a large school garden to supply fresh,organically grown produce to the food services. Each will contribute educational aspects to the curriculum, helping grow the students’ knowledge and appreciation for their environment, health and future.

The celebratory balloon launch with aerial support! The helicopter carried an SFSS teacher to capture the event from above.