Solar Powered Win-Win for Riverhead-Greenport Joint Initiative
“You hear a lot about global warming,” said teacher Bob Jester, “but not much about global learning. That’s what this historic moment is about.”
In a ceremony to celebrate the completion of a project they initiated last September, 26 high school science students traveled with their teacher, Mr. Jester, to witness a moment in solar-powered boating history on Preston’s Dock in Greenport. Sophomore Meghan Davis pushed up a lever that ceremoniously connected the solar panel on the roof of Preston’s to a solar-powered battery-driven boat, The Glory, a tour boat of the future.
No damage or injuries were reported.
In fact, The Glory is now being powered by the solar panel on Preston’s. Tourists will be able to get a quiet, carbon-free tour of the Greenport harbor area.
As part of the project, a new “Glory Solar Satellite Learning Center” was established at the East End Maritime Institute, making educational inspiration and information available to hundreds of school children on the East End and around the world.
How It Happened
In 2008, students in Mr. Jester’s science and research class at Riverhead High School were challenged by Mr. Jester to determine how alternative energy sources might be used on the East End of Long Island. Their research included field trips to Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Lab, and the GO SOLAR shed in Aquebogue. They also took a field trip to the Greenport Marina where they interviewed Captain David Berson, The Glory’s owner. After speaking with Captain Berson, the research class designed a solar panel docking station for the marina to supply the energy for and to encourage the use of battery-powered boats like The Glory.
They researched the cost, the location and the angles of the solar panel that could be used to generate power and where the money could be found to complete the project (i.e., grants, local funding, etc.). According to their research, the project would not only help eliminate greenhouse gases, but it would also decrease water pollution, and provide “reverse metering” by putting energy into the power grid rather than drawing it down.
“These students were phenomenal,” said Mr. Jester. “They were very excited about this project. We took our findings and presented them to the Greenport Village Board. Part of our plan was to increase awareness about the possibility of using alternative energy sources in an effort to affect a change in the atmosphere.”
The students determined that the project would cost approximately $10,000. They contributed the funds they raised in a paper recycling project and from a science competition. Josh Horton of East End Maritime Institute; benefactor Jim Moore of Riverhead, a former student of Mr. Jester’s; and Jamie Minnick of E2 Systems took their money and made the dream a reality.
On July 30th of 2009, the project came to fruition with the installation of solar panels on the roof of Preston’s.
It was a win-win for all.
“Everybody wins,” Mr. Jester said. “I overheard one of my students say to another, “Isn’t this the way you always dreamed school could be?”
RHS Science Research Class of 2009 on the Greenport
dock adjacent to the solar-powered tour boat and
learning center, The Glory.
RHS Science Teacher Bob Jester with former student,
Jim Moore, who helped finance the project, and
Albert Harsch from E2 Systems. E2 installed the solar panel.
Captain Dave Berson is at the podium. Front L-R:
RHS sophomores Sean Harkin and Meghan Davis; Josh Horton
Back: RHS science teacher Bob Jester and Legislator Ed Romaine.
