Solar Power On Our Campus!

Solar Power On Our Campus!

Rainbow Has Solar Power

Have you seen what’s over on the roof of the auditorium? Getting solar power was one of those far-off dreams until…it became reality!

solar power and solar panels

In 2017, an anonymous donor awarded Rainbow the funds to get solar panels installed. These are located on the east side of the auditorium. This donation will help to reduce the school’s reliance on fossil fuels.

In fact, the installation of these solar panels will provide a benefit of 60+ years. The bulk of Rainbow’s utility bills go toward the auditorium. It’s a big space. Heating and cooling can get expensive.

There’s also the environment to consider. Rainbow will reduce its carbon footprint by huge margins. The solar panels help to reduce the school’s utility expenses while helping the planet. In about 30 years, the panel efficiency will go down some, but will still yield significant energy savings.

Interconnection

Over the course of the process, one of our Rainbow parents had been in touch with representatives from Duke and other organizations to get the interconnections turned on. “Interconnection” means how a “distributed generation system, such as solar photovoltaics (PVs), can connect to the grid.” (Source)

A local solar installation company, Sugar Hollow, installed the solar panels late in 2017. The school had to wait until 2018 to turn on the interconnection. This was due to a rebate from Duke Energy, which also helped with significant savings for the school.

When Sugar Hollow installed the solar panels, they felt really connected to the school and what it stands for. Sugar Hollow is a living wage certified company and their philosophy parallels Rainbow’s mission:

At Sugar Hollow Solar, we care deeply about moving our society towards a more sustainable future – not just in the environmental sense but in how it relates to overall quality of life, now.

The panels they used for installation were manufactured in the US, as well. As a company, they work hard to source everything here in the US.

installing solar panels for solar power

The Sugar Hollow team installing solar panels on top of the auditorium.

Because this was the first year that Rainbow started the interconnection process, it took awhile to get the power systems connected, approved and ready to go. When it came time to “flip the switch,” the whole school community was so thrilled and the anticipation was palpable. Rainbow elected to have a school-wide celebration to commemorate the event.

song circle celebration

Students gathered at the auditorium to view the solar panels and have a “solar song circle” – it was RCS’ first song circle of the year.

Sugar Hollow also joined us for that celebration. Now, students will be able to tell exactly what the solar panels are doing moment by moment that demonstrate power output and usage. Check out the Solar Power Resources  section on our website. It has the link to the energy performance of the solar panels.

Since the founding of Sugar Hollow, they have surpassed 1.5 gigawatts hours of energy generation – from the sun! That’s like planting 28,931 trees!! We have so much gratitude for these folks and the work they do!

solar panels at rainbow

Rainbow’s going to the Odyssey state tournament this weekend!

Rainbow’s going to the Odyssey state tournament this weekend!

Odyssey state tournament in Boone this weekend
Imagine, if you will, a creative competition that allows students to express themselves artistically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These expressions are in alignment with Rainbow’s seven domains of child development. Now, imagine the pressure of performing for judges and parents and against other students.

This weekend our own team of sixth graders, including Isabel R, Harmony R, Lena U, Gaby M, Jonah M, and Willow E, will be heading off to the Odyssey State Tournament in Boone, NC, this weekend to compete on Saturday morning!.

We send them the best energy and courage to accomplish their goals!
Alumnus Allijah Motika – Creative Multi-Instrumentalist

Alumnus Allijah Motika – Creative Multi-Instrumentalist

Allijah Motika - singin' and playin'

Allijah Motika – Creative multi-instrumentalist

Alumni News!

We are so proud of all of our alumni.

We have news from Allijah Motika who just graduated from Catawba College in May.

He studied music, with a concentration in Popular Music and achieved summa cum laude. He received many honors while there, including getting a Presidential Scholarship, and was on the Dean’s List and Presidential Honor Roll. He was a member of Alpha Chi Honors Society, a Junior Marshal, and was named Who’s Who Among Students.

As a student, he participated in an Artist Development Program, learning everything from being a live sound engineer to helping oversee performance spaces on campus. He also tutored other students in various subjects. This has helped prepare him for life after college – running a band and fulfilling his dream of being a musician!

Allijah is part of a band that formed in 2012 called Life Size. He also is the acting manager, promoter and booking agent. In addition, he’s a co-songwriter, co-producer, and plays multiple instruments for shows and performances.

Already, he has several notable performances:

  • Vernaculars All-Stars at the NC Governor’s Inaugural Ball in 2013 – with Parmalee and The Avett Brothers
  • God’s Appointed People Choir at the Democratic National Convention in 2012 – with Jessica Sanchez
  • Catawba Singers – European Tour 2011 and Chicago Performance – with Eric Whitacre
  • Governor’s School West Chorus – 2009

Great job to Allijah – we are proud of you and so thrilled that you’re part of the Rainbow family!

Here’s a recent quote from Sarah Hall – Salisbury Post

“Their songs, all original compositions, demonstrated that they have become accomplished songwriters.”