Lake Stevens High’s solar panel to generate power, learning opportunities

LAKE STEVENS — Installation of a solar panel is planned for the roof of the Lake Stevens High School Performing Arts Center.

The Snohomish County Public Utility District recently awarded an energy grant to the Lake Stevens School District to cover the cost of installing a 5-kilowatt solar panel by the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

An informational kiosk showing the amount of power generated by the panel also will be assembled at the school, said spokeswoman Arlene Hulten. Renewable energy education curriculum for students is part of the project.

“It will fold into existing curriculum at high schools, middle schools and even at elementary schools,” Hulten said. “They will have access to a website that shows how many kilowatt-hours the solar panel is generating so they can look at the numbers and track them.”

All of the project’s costs are covered through the Snohomish County Public Utility District’s Planet Power program, said Neil Neroutsos, PUD spokesman. The program allows Snohomish PUD customers to make monthly donations to support local renewable energy projects in schools, city halls and other community buildings. The application for the Lake Stevens High School project was submitted by school district energy education specialist Barb Ossowski.

Three other projects also received grants through the program. A solar energy system used to power a computer lab and Wii tournament station is expected to be installed at the Carl Gipson Senior Center. Solar panel systems are planned for an outdoor picnic shelter rooftop at Edmonds Community College and on an outdoor walkway at the Future of Flight Paine Field.

The four projects are expected to cost between $43,000 and $61,000 each, Neroutsos said.

The Lake Stevens School District is in its second year of energy conservation programs, Hulten said. Efforts including turning off lights and computers and turning down heating systems in the district’s buildings when they are not in use have saved $660,000 in energy costs.

The district contracts with Energy Education, a company that builds conservation programs, Hulten said. The company plans to recognize the district at the Sept. 28 school board meeting with an award for positive environmental impacts.

Amy Daybert: 425-339-3491; adaybert@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Position 1 candidates prioritize public safety, differ on tax increases

Derica Escamilla is looking to retain her seat against challengers Dio Boucsieguez and Brandon Kimmel.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members Doug Symonds and Alysia Obina on Monday, March 3, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How to grow for show: 10 tips for prize-winning dahlias

Snohomish County Dahlia Society members share how they tend to their gardens for the best blooms.

State Attorney General Nick Brown's office posted a release announcing $720 million in nationwide settlements with eight drugmakers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. The state could receive more than $16 million, the release said. (Ryan Berry/Washington State Standard)
Snohomish County to receive portion of latest $16M opioid settlement

While the amount of money is still unknown, funding plans are already in place to help with drug abuse prevention, treatment and education.

District 2 candidates differ in public safety approach

Incumbent Paula Rhyne is facing challenger Ryan Crowther. The third candidate, Jonathan Shapiro, is no longer seeking the seat.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.