Solar Project Begins on Kinnelon Schools

Pearl R. Miller, Kinnelon High and Stonybrook schools will play host to solar panels soon as installation has already begun on the buildings, according to Kinnelon Board of Education Member Denise Hatch.

Hatch reported Thursday night that parents should not be alarmed if they see people working on top of the buildings as the engineers are in the middle of the project.

"[Installation] should be done by the end of October," Business Administrator Jim Minkewicz said.

The Kinnelon school district is participating in the Morris County Improvement Authorities Renewable Energy Program. Through the program, approved by the Kinnelon Board of Education in April, 375 kilowatts of energy are expected to be generated for the district. The panels are expected to reduce energy consumption at the three schools by about 20 percent.

A $60 million Morris County bond is funding the program, which includes nine school districts and 22 individual schools.

While the Kinnelon school district has been in progress with the solar project, other neighboring school districts have pursued similar programs. The Bloomingdale school district is also pursuing a solar program in hopes the energy generated will help offset infrastructure costs.