Solar in San Joaquin Valley – Lemoore, CA
Admiral Akers School is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley on the Lemoore Naval Air Station near Lemoore, California. The school was built in 1963 to educated the children of military families. Akers is located half-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles and half-way between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Akers Elementary School was given a grant as a part of the 2005 PG&E Solar Schools Program (written by Mrs. Krend and Mr. Hall). They estimate that the power from their 1kW installation powers both computer rooms at their school. Lemoore had a Solar Celebration back in June.
They hope someday to have all of Akers powered by solar energy. The advantages of this are tremendous. First, it is non-polluting source of energy, because no greenhouse gases are given off, and there are no other emissions. Next, solar energy is totally renewable. As long as the sun shines, it provides power. Last, but not least, is the eventual cost effectiveness. The energy is free. After the expense of the solar panels is recovered, there is virtually no cost. Surrounding Lemoore Naval Air Station are acres of agricultural land. The town of Lemoore (population 18,500) is seven miles from Akers School.