Alexandria, VA – The Challenger Space Center of Arizona, located in Peoria, Arizona was recently awarded a $50,000 Federal grant for a solar energy project. These funds will be used to install a solar array on the roof of the facility that will be comprised of 72 solar panels.
The grant is part of a $55 million Stimulus Funds program administered by the Arizona Department of Commerce. A total of 14 non-profit organizations in Arizona were awarded grants. The total amount for all grants awarded was $637,328 with each award not exceeding a maximum of $50,000.
According to the Arizona Governor’s office “awards were given for the installation of solar water heating systems, photovoltaic electric systems and solar daylighting systems. Once installed, the systems will reduce the nonprofit entities operating costs, and will give each organization a chance to use the savings to provide more services for Arizonans.”
Expected savings from the Peoria Space Center’s installation could amount to as much as $4,500 in the first year alone.
The total cost of the solar installation is projected to be $93,000. The grant will reduce that cost to $43,000. With annual energy costs of $67,000 the $4,500 annual savings offers substantial benefit to the Center.
The Challenger Space Center in Peoria is one of a network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers established across the United States, Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Since Challenger Learning Centers have education as their core mission, this installation will also be used as a teaching tool. An exhibit with a solar panel and a display that shows energy saving generated in real time will be installed.
According to Kari Sliva, executive director of Challenger Space Center “Our mission is all about educating students and the public about the universe we live in, and the sun and solar power is a regular part of our educational offerings here”.
For more information on Challenger Space Center in Peoria visit http://www.azchallenger.org.
Contact:
Kari Sliva
Executive Director
Challenger Space Center Arizona
21170 N. 83rd Avenue
Peoria AZ 85382
(623) 322-2012 direct
(623) 322-3716 fax
ksliva@azchallenger.net
www.azchallenger.org
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About Challenger Center
Using space exploration as a theme and simulations as a vehicle, Challenger Center and its international network of 47 Challenger Learning Centers create positive educational experiences that raise students’ expectations of success, fosters a long-term interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and inspires students to pursue studies and careers in these areas. Challenger Center’s network of Challenger Learning Centers across the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Korea reach more than 400,000 students each year through simulated space missions and educational programs, and engage over 40,000 educators through missions, teacher workshops and other programs. To learn more about Challenger Center for Space Science Education, visit www.challenger.org.
