Khalsa Montessori School is starting the 2016/2017 school year off with a new solar shade canopy by their student’s play area. Installed by Technicians For Sustainability (TFS), the school’s new solar system consists of 168 LG 310W solar modules, which will generate 65% of their energy needs annually.

Khalsa Montessori School’s decision to go solar supports their commitment to providing children in Tucson with a healthy environment to learn in as they have been doing since 1975. Khalsa Montessori School sees its new solar electricity system as not only a financially responsible investment to help the school save money over time, but as a way to give back to their community in Tucson through a reduced carbon footprint.

Providing an average of 95,600 kWh of clean energy per year, Khalsa Montessori School’s solar energy system will prevent the burning of 95,612 lbs of coal, the release of 212,900 lbs of CO2 into the atmosphere, and the consumption of 47,800 gallons of water that would otherwise be used for the generation of fossil fuel energy.

Nirvair Khalsa, the Director of the Khalsa Montessori School, says: “The Khalsa Montessori community practices three rules-- respect myself, respect others and respect the environment we share." Respecting the environment means taking care of our classrooms and all the things in it, taking care of our school and grounds and all the living creatures in our desert home, and taking care of the bigger world around us and the whole earth. To care for our earth, Khalsa students practice green habits such as turning out lights, packing waste-free vegetarian lunches, recycling, riding bikes and carpooling. Our new solar project is another opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint and learn more about clean energy and living responsibly.”

Khalsa Montessori School excitedly heads into the new school year, powered in part by their new solar energy system. A ribbon cutting ceremony for the solar energy system, including guest speakers from TFS, has been organized for inclusion in their International Day of Peace celebration at 9AM on September 19th, 2016.

About khalsa montessori school

Khalsa Montessori School is a community of children, families, and school staff which works together to create a positive and nurturing environment to support learning and personal growth. We continue to address community needs through expanded services and programs.

Our excellent educational programs and conscious, loving care-giving encourage the development of healthy bodies, thinking minds and loving, confident spirits. Children have freedom to explore, gain hands-on experience and learn in a safe, peaceful environment equipped with beautiful learning materials and positive role models. Children are fulfilled and happy as they gain independence and responsibility in caring for themselves, each other and the world we share.