Energy Efficiency, Sourcing Renewables  -  August 1, 2022

Chicago Schools Add Renewable Energy Streetlights

The installation of new renewable, off-grid streetlights at two Chicago Public Schools (CPS) on Chicago’s south side has been completed. 

Five streetlights were installed at Walter H. Dyett High School for the Arts in the Washington Park neighborhood and two streetlights were installed at Perspectives Math and Science Academy Project in the Bronzeville neighborhood. 

Manufactured by ARIS Renewable Energy, these off-grid streetlights feature miniature power plants – called Remote Power Units or RPUs that are not connected to the energy grid but draw energy from wind turbines, solar panels and battery storage, providing more dependable power.

The renewable energy within the streetlights also creates battery storage that results in a self-powered internet connection, allowing students to connect to Wi-Fi as needed.

Part of ComEd’s Community of the Future, ComEd worked in collaboration with Bronzeville community leaders to address the neighborhood’s needs for more sustainable and reliable smart-grid technology through renewable energy.

“I am super excited to have the ARIS lights installed here at Dyett High School. All of our school stakeholders have wanted this for a very long time,” said Dyett Principal Cortez McCoy in a statement. “This will make our campus grounds safe for all of our students, staff, parents and members of the community. This will also give our students the opportunity to explore careers in STEM. We are so appreciative of this opportunity. Thank you so much to everyone that made this possible.”

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