Maine’s first fully solar-powered academic facility
Hinckley, ME – The Historic Good Will-Hinckley campus recently celebrated the opening of Maine’s first fully solar-powered, net-positive academic facility, the Charles E. Moody School.
Landry/French Construction completed the renovations and additions to the 110-year-old building, creating a highly energy-efficient and sustainable environment while at the same time retaining its character and defining features.
Two hundred and sixty-seven photovoltaic panels installed on the building are expected to deliver 91,000 kWh of power. The Moody School will use approximately 77,000 kWh annually, leaving a “net positive” of 14,000 kWh of clean, renewable power. This will offset the energy needs of adjacent greenhouses and other facilities on campus. The energy cost savings is estimated at $1.3 million over 25 years.
Efficiency Maine, a statewide program to promote more efficient use of electricity and reduce energy costs, awarded nearly $30,000 in incentives to install the energy-efficient HVAC system and LED lighting. The energy usage level is approximately 30% less than a conventional building.
“The level of excitement from students has been fun to see,” said Interim President Rob Moody. “Our students are now in the unique position of learning about natural sciences and renewable energy while sitting in classrooms powered by the sun.”
The Moody School is a contributing structure to the Hinckley Good Will Home Historic District. Today, the building houses the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (MeANS), the state’s first charter school. The expansion added 7,200sf to the existing 16,150sf building. The project will allow MeANS to expand its current enrollment from 125 to 200 students. The state-of-the-art features support the school’s focus on science, sustainability education, and hands-on learning.
