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.

We are halfway through SPI and right now, our CEO Tony Clifford is participating in a private, VIP reception for President Clinton, who will be delivering the SPI keynote address today at 4pm! It’s been a busy show already – Tony participated in two panel discussions and we have had energizing meetings with our partners, customers and vendors as well as several members of the media.

Lots more on the schedule, including the “SPI 2012 #SolarChat & Friends TweetUp” tonight, before our team heads back to Maryland tomorrow…

We’re excited to head to the Sunshine State next week for Solar Power International 2012 (SPI’12) to meet the solar professionals making this industry thrive, catch up with friends and partners and take advantage of the many learning opportunities that the conference will provide. Our team will be there in Orlando and we are excited to see our valued partners and meet the new faces in solar.

CEO Tony Clifford has been invited to speak during two panel discussions:

“Permitting- DG” - Tuesday, 8:30-10am

“How Trade Policy Will Shape the Solar Industry” – Wednesday, 10:30am-12pm

These sessions and others address the hot topics facing the solar industry, and we look forward to hearing some great ideas and innovative strategies from the speakers and attendees – look for us there!