Aris Lights at Dunbar HS

A. WHERE IT'S AT

Current installations are located at Beethoven Elementary School at 47th and State and Dunbar High School at 30th and King. Two additional sites are planned with a total of seven additional lighting units.

B. WHAT IT’S FOR

Designed to provide nighttime visibility for students and community members, the Aris off-grid remote power units leverage wind, solar energy, and battery storage to power public lighting. Data from remote power units tells a story of how utilities like ComEd are working to coordinate renewable energy and energy storage to meet electrical demand when people need power. Coordinating renewables + storage is the key to efficiently utilizing clean energy resources and to reducing the impact that we have on our planet. ComEd worked with teachers at Beethoven and Dunbar to develop a curriculum based around the Aris lights as a microcosm of green energy.

At ComEd, we believe investment in STEM education can help prepare the future workforce, enable higher levels of energy sustainability, and strengthen resilient smart communities. Our STEM Programs transitioned to operate in virtual space in light of COVID-19, providing the next generation of learners the opportunity to develop the skills they need to build a greener, more sustainable, and more resilient future. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional development, we inspire the leaders of tomorrow to solve present and future problems.

C. WHO MADE IT

ComEd partnered with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and Aris Wind, to install five illuminating solar, wind, and battery powered lighting units at Bronzeville schools and CHA properties. Check them out to see what renewable lighting can do to keep our students and families illuminated and their paths well-lit!