Missoula Urban Solar

Project Overview:

The Missoula Urban Active Research Solar Project is a partnership between NorthWestern Energy, Missoula County Public Schools, and the City of Missoula which includes unique solar installations at Missoula’s four public high schools. NorthWestern Energy collects data from each installation and use it to analyze how small, urban renewable energy projects can integrate with the electric grid. Science, math, and CTE high school teachers have written curriculum to enable students to analyze data and learn about solar energy.

Big Sky High School

Big Sky High School’s panels consist of high-efficiency modules. The Big Sky plan also features battery storage in an 8-foot by 20-foot container that simulates solar production by charging the energy storage, and in turn will power the high school gym.

Sentinel High School

Sentinel High School’s “Outdoor Classroom” panels focus heavily on the educational opportunities posed by the projects, featuring panels orientated in different directions with the goal of exploring how photovoltaic panels can be arranged to maximize energy production. The design also creates a shaded outdoor learning space.

Willard Alternative High School

Willard Alternative High School has an integrated solar fence made of photovoltaic panels. The design explores how to incorporate solar technology into existing buildings and infrastructure.

Hellgate High School

Hellgate High School’s solar pilot project design acts as a carport at the school’s parking lot.

Project Details:

Big Sky High School:

  • (72) LG 355 Watt Modules
  • (2) SolarEdge 10KW Inverters with Optimizers
  • Solar DC Capacity: 25.6 KW
  • School’s Projected Peak Demand: 472KW
  • Estimated Production: 29,900 kWhs/yr
  • School’s Projected Energy Usage: 1,747,800 kWhs/yr

Sentinel High School:

  • (42) SolarWorld Bificial 325 Watt Modules
  • (3) SMA 5KW Inverters with Optimizers
  • Solar DC Capacity: 13.6 KW
  • School’s Projected Peak Demand: 400KW
  • Estimated Production: 17,100 kWhs/yr
  • School’s Projected Energy Usage: 1,327,904 kWhs/yr

Willard Alternative High School:

  • (48) SolarWorld Bificial 325 Watt Modules
  • (48) Enphase Microinverters
  • Solar DC Capacity: 15.6 KW
  • School’s Projected Peak Demand: 32KW
  • Estimated Production: 16,400 kWhs/yr
  • School’s Projected Energy Usage: 79,440 kWhs/yr

Hellgate High School:

  • (88) LG 355 Watt Modules
  • (3) SMA 7.7 KW Inverters w/ Optimizers
  • Solar DC Capacity: 31.2 KW
  • School’s Projected Peak Demand: 485KW
  • Estimated Production: 35,000 kWhs/yr
  • School’s Projected Energy Usage: 1,109,920 kWhs/yr