Renewable Energy Grants for Schools
Solar panels and other renewable energy sources are good for the environment. They are also good for the pocketbook of users, saving money in utilities over a long period of time. When used in an educational environment, these items teach children that there are creative and cost-effective options to use energy, even on a large scale such as throughout a school. Grants for renewable energy sources help schools make these upgrades.
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Identification
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Grants for renewable energy resources for schools are funds that help teachers and administrators tap into the sea of options for electricity and utilities. They most often include solar panels, as they can be easily installed and are not dependent on geographic location, as wind turbines or hydroelectric plants would be. Grants may fund the whole project or help defray part of the project.
Function
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The purpose of these grants generally is to pay for the equipment necessary for a renewable energy source, such as a solar panel. Such an installation may be for the financial and environmental well-being of the school. On the other hand, it may act as a science lesson for students. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company's Solar Schools Program funds both of these programs. Green Your School Projects are eligible for upgrades and equipment throughout a school. Educational Solar Projects are individual science lessons that teach students about solar energy. Teachers and administrators can apply for $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000 for either of these uses.
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Benefits
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Students benefit from such grants directly by the hands-on lessons they receive. That's why PPL Project Earth Environmental Education Grants fund extracurricular activities and curriculum that introduce renewable energy concepts to students. Teachers can apply for $500 to $5,000 for their environmental projects. Of course, these grants also benefits the schools by saving them money in the short-term on equipment that will save them on utility bills into the future. The local community also benefits by not being burdened with additional energy production. The Bonneville Educational Foundation understands this and, therefore, funds projects for schools as well as prominent community buildings.
Sources
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Energy companies and environmental foundations are a key source of grants for renewable energy projects in schools. In addition, government agencies sometimes provide funds for such projects. For instance, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 filtered money to individual states, which in turn proportioned money for their school districts. Some of this money is allocated for "modernization" which may include renewable energy upgrades.
Geography
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Many sources of funding limit their grants to individual states. The Kansas Green School Program provides grants for a number of environmental issues in Kansas schools, including renewable energy projects. The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation helps Illinois schools fund solar panels.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Dominic Alves
