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Wind-Solar Machine Harnesses Off-The-Grid Power For Tarrytown Schools

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- A wind-solar machine is harnessing off-the-grid power for Washington Irving School in Tarrytown.

A wind-solar machine is harnessing off-the-grid power for Washington Irving School in Tarrytown.

A wind-solar machine is harnessing off-the-grid power for Washington Irving School in Tarrytown.

Photo Credit: Cindy Capitani/123RF Stock

In a partnership with the Tarrytown School District, Willdan and Aris Energy Solutions, a wind-solar energy device was constructed at Washington Irving. 

The off-the-grid lighting and power is already providing lighting for both security and athletic events at WI’s fields. 

During the day, and particularly because of its location close to the windy Hudson River, the RPU stores wind and solar power can then provide lighting in the evenings. 

Jim Quinn, a business development specialist with Willdan Energy Solutions, says it's working with Aris, the school district, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow on setting up sustainable power solutions that will protect and assist the villages and school district. 

The solutions will assist communities not only by providing lighting, but by eventually enabling them to harness the power of the sun and wind in the event of severe weather or an emergency. 

Communities last summer received a $100,000 New York grant to develop a microgrid. Two wind/solar devices have already been constructed – one at WI and another at the North Tarrytown Housing Authority. 

A microgrid is a resilient electric power generation and distribution network that can disconnect from the traditional grid and operate autonomously to minimize or eliminate power outages. 

The ultimate plan is to have in place a community microgrid that provides a combination of heat and power, wind, solar, tidal power and other smart technologies to places include village hall, the police stations, firehouses, water and sewer filtration and pump stations, public schools and affordable housing complexes. 

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow were two of just 83 communities to receive the grant. 

Eddy Rugel, vice president of business development with Aris, said the Washington Irving machine can be monitored by his company and that the field lights can be turned on and off by Aris remotely, if necessary. 

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