Solar Electricity in Schools
As of 2010, solar installation and education programs are rapidly increasing in schools throughout the country. With the aid of state and federal programs, more school districts and universities are able to make significant investments in solar energy. Schools are not only investing in the installation of solar projects but are making significant investments and commitments to renewable energy education. Solar energy proponents hope that through education and experience, today's students will become tomorrow's solar energy leaders.
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Financial Incentives
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Installing solar panels and utilizing renewable energy resources often seems like an unattainable goal for many public school districts. Forced to make deep budget cuts yet required to provide students with a high-quality education, most districts don't have the funds necessary to invest in solar energy projects. State and federal government programs provide many districts with the needed funds to begin installing and experiencing the benefits of solar energy. School districts and universities are tapping into the numerous federal and state grant programs available for solar panel installation. Although the initial financial outlay is quite high, school districts can create and implement solar energy plans that will help them save money over time.
Curriculum Benefits
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Public schools and universities are using the installation of solar energy to fuel new and innovative science and technology programs. Most schools that have installed solar panels are coordinating the presence and installation of the solar arrays with classroom activities. Schools are introducing solar and renewable energy into their regular science curriculum, creating projects and experiments that enhance the students' understanding of electricity, the environment and astronomy. With the implementation of solar energy, faculty and staff now have the opportunity to educate students on the benefits of renewable energy and students have a unique opportunity to experience first-hand solar energy at work in their community.
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Solar 4R Schools
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Solar 4R Schools is a unique education and solar installation program. The program provides students and teachers with education, training and hands-on experience with solar energy. Solar 4R Schools works in partnership with local funding partners to provide solar panels and education to schools at no cost. Schools receiving solar panels agree to own and maintain the arrays and in return receive clean, renewable energy and a powerful education tool. As of 2010, Solar 4R Schools has installed over 100 solar projects in 16 states.
U.S. Public Schools Implementing Solar
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The support of renewable energy through federal and state grants has allowed an increasing number of public and private schools to install solar energy projects. In 2009, Freemont Union High School District in California announced plans to install a large 3.65 megawatt system that experts estimate will provide over half of the district's electricity needs. Also in 2009, the Deer Valley Unified School District near Phoenix announced plans to install a 1 megawatt system with an estimated cost of six million dollars. In May 2010, the state of Maryland announced several solar installation projects funded through their Project Sunburst grant. The governor of Maryland plans to triple the amount of solar energy produced in the state over the next 12 months by installing solar projects on 32 government buildings.
University Solar Programs
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Universities are beginning to create departments and degree programs focused on solar and renewable energy. Washington State University has emerged as a leader in solar education. The WSU Energy Program in partnership with Shoreline Community College and Northwest Solar Center provide solar education through course work and academic programs. WSU students studying architecture, engineering and interior design built a net-zero energy house as part of the 2005 Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. Students were challenged to build a 500 to 800 square foot house designed to receive all energy needs through solar power. The house now functions as a working laboratory for students at Shoreline Community College.
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References
- Photo Credit Solar Panels image by alessbonaventura from Fotolia.com
