Green by Design

Clay High School Turbine Project

Installation of the first turbine for the Clay High School Wind Research Facility was completed on September 25, 2008.  A Skystream 3.7 wind turbine, atop a 45' monopole tower, was raised and set in position.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur presented the keynote address at the dedication ceremony on April 21, 2008.  The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the high school’s wetland/soccer field complex.

The Wind Research Facility will consist of multiple turbines from different manufacturers on various tower heights.  The project, coordinated by Clay biology teacher Dennis Slotnick and science teacher Caine Kolinski, will consist of students collecting data on wind energy.

Clay High School is located 2.5 miles from Lake Erie, and is a desirable location for wind energy, with average sustainable wind speeds of 13.5 miles per hour.  The proximity of the lake also makes the area biologically sensitive.

“Besides the obvious question of wind resources and turbine efficiency, we will also study what threat, if any, turbines pose for bird and bat populations, “ said Slotnick.

“It’s essential that students understand the pros and cons of wind energy so we can diversify Ohio’s energy portfolio in an environmentally responsible way, “ said Slotnick.

To fund the project, Slotnick and Kolinski secured a $10,000 grant through the BP A+ Energy grant program.  Matching funds came from Sunoco Toledo Refinery, along with additional funds from Buckeye CableSystems.

Clay High School