Jim Dunn, Scott Reisinger and Peter McKone (All New)

Jim Dunn is founder of Future Solar Systems, and Scott Reisinger is headmaster and Peter McKone is director of facilities of the Bancroft School.

With the sun shining, the Bancroft School community, with local and state officials on hand, converged on October 8, 2010 at the McDonough Center to celebrate the installation of 462 high-efficiency solar panels at a special dedication ceremony. The solar electric system is the largest private installation within Worcester, producing more than 117,000-kilowatt hours of electricity annually or approximately 25% of the building’s energy needs over an entire year.

Worcester has already been named by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as one of the first green communities in this state. The solar electric system capacity is rated at 106.2 kW and will add to Worcester’s reputation as a stronghold of alternative energy-conscious organizations.

The Bancroft School project was made possible by Future Solar Systems in Millbury, which designed the solar electric system, coordinated the installation, secured investors, and provided a comprehensive curriculum for solar, wind and energy efficiency for faculty to incorporate into the science and math programs.

The solar panels are made by Canadian Solar, with inverters made by Solectria Renewables in Lawrence. The system was financed by a combination of Millbury Credit Union and private investment.