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Solar schools: Stanford research examines overlooked benefits of solar panels on U.S. campuses

Rooftop solar projects at schools could reduce harmful air pollution, help the environment and enhance student learning while cutting electricity costs, a new study finds. Overall, the energy switch could deliver benefits valued at $4 billion.

Sunshine splashing onto school rooftops and campuses across the country is an undertapped resource that could help shrink electricity bills, new research suggests.

June 02, 2017- PV modules on the Casey Middle School in Boulder, CO.

Solar panels provide shade and energy at Casey Middle School in Boulder, Colorado. (Image credit: Dennis Schroeder / NREL)

The study , published in the April issue of the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research Letters , shows taking advantage of all viable space for solar panels could allow schools to meet up to 75 percent of their electricity needs and reduce the education sector’s carbon footprint by as much as 28 percent.

At the same time, solar panels could help schools unplug from grids fed by natural gas and coal power plants that produce particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides – air pollutants that can contribute to smog and acid rain as well as serious health consequences including heart attacks and reduced lung function. “This is an action we can take that benefits the environment and human health in a real, meaningful way,” said Stanford behavioral scientist Gabrielle Wong-Parodi , an author of the study.

New solar projects may easily slip down the list of priorities in a time of widespread protests by teachers calling for increased school funding, smaller class sizes and higher wages. But the U.S. Department of Energy estimates K-12 school spend more than $6 billion per year on energy, and energy costs in many districts are second only to salaries. In the higher education sector, yearly energy costs add up to more than $14 billion .

The current paper suggests investments in the right solar projects – with the right incentives from states – could free up much-needed money in schools’ budgets. “Schools are paying for electricity anyway,” said Wong-Parodi, an assistant professor of Earth system science at Stanford’s School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences (Stanford Earth). “This is a way, in some cases, that they can reduce their costs. If there’s a rebate or a subsidy, it can happen more quickly.”

Overlooked benefits

Educational institutions account for approximately 11 percent of energy consumption by U.S. buildings and 4 percent of the nation’s carbon emissions. But while the potential for solar panels on homes and businesses has been widely studied, previous research has largely skipped over school buildings.

The new estimates are based on data for 132,592 schools, including more than 99,700 public and 25,700 private K-12 schools, as well as nearly 7,100 colleges and universities. The researchers began by estimating the rooftop area available for solar panels at each institution, the hourly electricity output given the amount of sunshine at the site and the hourly electricity demand of each institution.

Not surprisingly, the study finds three large, sunny states – Texas, California and Florida – have the greatest potential for generating electricity from solar panels on school rooftops, with nearly 90 percent of institutions having at least some roof space suitable for installations. Meanwhile, residents in midwestern states including Wisconsin and Ohio stand to see the biggest reductions in key air pollutants – and costs associated with addressing related health effects – if schools switch from the grid to solar power.

Beyond measurable effects on air pollution and electricity bills, solar installations can also provide new learning opportunities for students. Some schools are already using data from their on-site solar energy systems to help students grapple with fractions, for example, or see firsthand how shifting panel angles can affect power production. “It takes this abstract idea of renewables as something that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and brings it home,” Wong-Parodi said.

Big savings

According to the study, it’s not economically viable for educational institutions to purchase rooftop solar systems outright in any state. Rather, the projects can make financial sense for schools if they contract a company to install, own and operate the system and sell electricity to the school at a set rate.

Nationwide, the researchers project benefits stemming from an all-out push for solar installations on school buildings could be worth as much as $4 billion per year, if each ton of carbon released to the air is assumed to cost society $40 and the value of a statistical human life – in the way that regulators and economists calculate it – is pegged at $10 million. The estimated benefits capture the cost of premature deaths and other health impacts linked to air pollution from power plants.

The group’s estimates do not account for environmental and health impacts tied to international mining and transport of raw materials, or to manufacturing and disposal of solar panels. Such a holistic view, they write, “may yield quite different results.”

Zeroing in on likely impacts within the United States, the researchers conclude that nearly all states could reap value from school solar projects far greater than the amount they’re spending on subsidies and rebates. The study shows that’s true even when factoring in typical costs for installation, maintenance, operation and routine hardware replacements.

“There is an argument for increasing the level of incentives to increase adoption of solar panels by the educational sector,” said study author Inês Azevedo, who co-directs Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Climate and Energy Decision Making and will be joining Stanford Earth’s faculty in July 2019.

California and New York, however, are exceptions. In those two states, the researchers concluded that currently available rebates exceed the financial, health, environmental and climate change benefits provided to society by rooftop solar systems on schools – at least at today’s prices for offsetting carbon emissions through other means.

“California and New York are doing a fantastic job of incentivizing solar, but we still don’t see 100 percent penetration,” Wong-Parodi said. “A good use of their time and resources may be to evaluate all the schools that don’t have it yet, and try to understand why.”

Wong-Parodi is also a Center Fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment . Co‑authors Nichole Hanus and Parth Vaishnav are affiliated with Carnegie Mellon University. Co‑author Naïm Darghouth is affiliated with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The research was supported by the National Science Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

To read all stories about Stanford science, subscribe to the biweekly Stanford Science Digest .

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Facing Budget Shortfalls, These Schools Are Turning to the Sun

Public schools are increasingly using savings from solar energy to upgrade facilities, help their communities, and give teachers raises — often with no cost to taxpayers.

A view down a high school hallway that’s covered on its left wall with balloons and construction paper. There are balloons on on the ground, where at the end of the hallway a student prepares a poster, while two students in the middle ground tape balloons on the wall. A ceiling light is covered with yellow paper, casting a yellowish hue on everything, and there are rolls of colored paper in the foreground.

By Cara Buckley

One school district was able to give pay raises to its teachers as big as 30 percent. Another bought new heating and ventilation systems, all the better to help students and educators breathe easier in these times. The improvements didn’t cost taxpayers a cent, and were paid for by an endlessly renewable source — the sun.

As solar energy gains traction across the country, one beneficiary have been schools, particularly those in cash-strapped districts contending with dwindling tax bases.

From New Jersey to California, nearly one in 10 K-12 public and private schools across the country were using solar energy by early 2022, according to data released Thursday by Generation180 , a nonprofit that promotes and tracks clean energy. That’s twice as many as existed in 2015.

The savings in electric bills from schools with solar panels often topped millions in each district, and many have been able to adopt the technology without shouldering any costs up front.

“If you’re conservative, we didn’t ask you for more taxes, if you’re liberal, you love the green concept,” said Michael Hester, the school superintendent in Batesville, Ark., where solar arrays paid for teacher raises. “It’s a win-win.”

In Heart-Butte, Mont., the school superintendent, Mike Tatsey, arranged for three-quarters of the energy credits generated by the district’s new solar panels to help lower the electric bills of households in the community, located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. He believed that freeing up extra spending money for staples like groceries and shoes could have a ripple effect in classrooms.

“That little bit, in my mind, might help a family feel better about themselves, and kids feel better themselves,” Mr. Tatsey said. “In a roundabout way, when they come to school, because of that little bit of extra hope we’re able to give, they’ll be ready to learn.”

In Louisa County, Virginia, school administrators used federal Covid recovery and local funds to place 32 solar-generated mobile Wi-Fi stations throughout the community during the height of the pandemic, helping to connect families and the roughly 40 percent of students who didn’t have reliable internet access. “The beautiful part of the project was once we designed the Wi-Fi trailers, we had high school students build them,” said David Childress, the district’s director of technology.

Solar systems installed at its schools were also forecast to save the Louisa district up to $8 million over three decades, and though no savings were expected for the first year, 2021, the spike in energy costs meant they ended up saving $4,000 in the first six months. Douglas Straley, the district’s superintendent, said the plan was to put the savings into classrooms by adding new programs and enhancing existing ones.

In Wise County in southwest Virginia, where solar energy is expected to save the school district $7.5 million over 35 years, the project paid for solar apprenticeships that officials said were sorely needed; the region had long been economically dependent on coal . This summer, 10 high school students helped with the installation while earning $17 an hour plus stipends over eight weeks, along with credits toward a becoming a solar and electrical technician.

“We’ve been trying to diversify our economy,” said Greg Mullins, who recently retired as schools superintendent there. “This gives them the skills to allow them to manufacture and install solar, and perhaps to be able to earn a living somewhere in this part of the world.”

After salaries, energy is the second biggest expense for public K-12 schools, according to White House figures , amounting to some $8 billion a year. Newly available federal funding for school energy upgrades in the infrastructure bill, along with incentives to adopt solar in recently passed climate legislation, is forecast to offset those costs while also clocking environmental benefits.

If all of the roughly 130,000 K-12 schools were to fully transition to solar, Generation180 calculated there’d be an annual reduction of 60 million metric tons in carbon emissions, the equivalent of shuttering 16 coal-fired power plants. As of early 2022, the nonprofit found that roughly 8,400 schools had solar installations, generating enough energy to power 300,000 homes, triple the collective solar capacity schools had eight years ago. About half of the public schools that have solar panels are eligible for Title 1 funding, meaning at least 40 percent of their students qualify as low-income.

For most schools, the ability to go solar hinges on local policies that allow third party solar ownership. Under those agreements, solar companies pay for solar systems up front, along with installation, operation and maintenance. In return for housing the system, schools typically buy electricity at reduced rates, and can redirect the savings toward classrooms or facilities upkeep. According to Generation180, such agreements are crucial, and have been used to pay for nearly 90 percent of total solar capacity at schools.

Roadblocks remain. Because consumers who can generate their own electricity buy less power from the grid, some utilities want to charge rooftop solar owners fees that can negate their savings, or credit them for less than the retail cost for the energy their panels produce. In California, a renewable energy leader, the public utilities commission is considering a proposal that would cut incentives for homeowners to install solar panels and slash solar growth in the state.

“There is no national state of play, it is a patchwork of state by state, even city by city and county by county,” said Michael Craig, an assistant professor specializing in renewables and decarbonization at the University of Michigan.

Anthony Smith, president and founder of Secure Futures, a solar company in Virginia, was developing a solar system using a third party agreement at Washington and Lee University 10 years ago when his company received cease and desist letters from a local utility. He has since lobbied for legislation that passed in 2013 and 2020, and encouraged solar adoption in the state. “We’re not just in the solar business, we’re in the solar policy business,” he said.

Despite pushback from utility companies, the number of states allowing third party ownership is growing, according to Generation180, and now stands at 30 — recent additions include Mississippi — along with Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, more schools will be able to buy their systems outright by using a credit that covers 30 percent of the cost.

Doug Arnold, who oversees facilities upgrades and major projects for Orange County Public Schools in Virginia, said when the district first considered solar panels six years ago, the project was met with resistance from the school board. After Virginia passed solar legislation in 2020, the project, by Secure Futures, became a better deal and won board approval.

Solar panels installed at seven schools would end up offsetting up to 91 percent of electric usage per school, saving them about $130,000 a year, and $9.5 million over 35 years.

“The tax base is low here, there’s not a lot of industry there, and there’s no interest in raising taxes ever,” Mr. Arnold said.

In Arkansas, the Batesville school district became the first in the state to go solar after a Republican-sponsored bill passed in 2018 that permitted both third party solar ownership and increased solar capacity. The bill had bipartisan support, along with heavy backing from Walmart, which is headquartered there.

Mr. Hester, the Batesville district school superintendent, said their savings from solar were initially estimated at $2 million over two decades, until rising energy costs increased that figure at least twofold. The resultant spike in teacher salaries drew international attention. Their base pay went from around $30,000 to more than $40,000, Mr. Hester said, enabling the district to attract teachers despite a statewide shortage, and without forcing it to seek additional tax dollars.

About 30 other school districts in the area have since adopted solar, he said.

Tish Tablan, program director at Generation180 , said the normalization of solar was especially potent when it came to public schools. “When schools go solar, students learn about it, they talk to parents, families are inspired,” she said, “We see a ripple effect across communities.”

Because schools often serve as community hubs in climate emergencies, which are on the rise, she said it was imperative that they are self-sufficient and resilient. After wildfires and deadly mudslides devastated Santa Barbara County, Calif., in early 2018, the school district began installing solar installations and microgrids with battery storage. Once the project is completed, as much as 94 percent of the district’s energy will come from renewable sources, according to Laura Capps, a school board member.

In the borough of Eatontown, N.J., Scott McCue, the school superintendent, said his district needed to replace its heating and ventilation systems in the face of losing $2.4 million in state funding over seven years. It sold $4.6 million in bonds to pay for energy upgrades like retrofitted lighting and solar installations, which will cover between 80 and 90 percent of the energy needs of school buildings as well as the cost of 26 new HVAC units, without using taxpayer funds.

Mr. McCue said the solar panels will also benefit the school curriculum. In 2020, New Jersey’s department of education adopted new standards requiring that climate change be taught in public schools. Mr. McCue said the new solar arrays will be used as on-site educational tools. “It’s a great hands-on way to teach students not just how solar energy helps the Earth and the environment, but also, if the project is done correctly, how it can also benefit the consumer directly,” he said.

Back in Batesville, Ark., Mr. Hester said the school district’s solar array had the entirely unexpected effect of drawing gawkers to what he described as the “the sexiest thing we’ve done”: putting up solar canopies over the loading zones at the junior and senior high schools. Soaring and vast, they provide shelter from the rain and sun, and may well be the closest thing Batesville has, at least appearance wise, to an international airport.

After the canopies went up, carloads of people, many of them decades past their high school days, began coming by during off-hours and weekends to take them in and snap pictures, Mr. Hester said. “It has just gone crazy,” Mr. Hester said.

Cara Buckley is a climate reporter who focuses on people working toward solutions and off-the-beaten-path tales about responses to the crisis. She joined The Times in 2006 and was part of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for reporting on workplace sexual harassment. More about Cara Buckley

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Solar on schools: A smart solution

School districts throughout the country are increasingly installing solar projects, often at no upfront cost. What are the benefits?

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Sandy Grove Middle School, North Carolina

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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When thinking of how to improve schools, the first thoughts often turn to newer books, better-paid teachers, and an improved curriculum. 

Energy is second only to teacher salaries when it comes to cost,  according to NREL , and U.S. schools spend more than $6 billion a year on the line item. Solar presents an opportunity for schools to alleviate budget pressure, often at little or no upfront cost, freeing up funds for more educational benefits.

Schools often sign a power purchase agreement (PPA) when going solar, allowing the school to buy the electricity produced by the solar installation for 10-25 years at a discounted rate, serving up cost savings from day one. About 90% of installed school systems since 2014 have entered the PPA model, and the little-no-upfront cost or ongoing maintenance costs make it a nimble operation for tight-budgeted schools, according to SEIA.

school project solar panel

Average system size for these schools was 182 kW, and over 1.3 GW had been activated. Roughly 9.4% of all students attend a solar school, according to the SEIA report. The “valedictorian” state was California, with one-third of the nation’s solar schools and 45% of the total installed capacity, at 616 MW.

Between 2014 and 2019, SEIA reported a 139% growth in cumulative installed capacity. In that five-year span, schools accounted for roughly 8-10% of cumulative installed capacity of nonresidential projects.

While growth has been strong, one group, Generation180, thinks the U.S. can do better. The group is dedicated to helping boost the attach rate, and provides resources to help guide decision makers at schools navigate the solar process and understand the benefits.

Generation180 runs a national campaign for solar advocacy, and offers a toolkit  as a step-by-step grassroots organizing guide. Once the school district has buy-in from the community, decision makers can use Generation180’s  how-to guide  for going solar.

In the guide, eight steps are laid out for getting started:

  • Assemble a team: include teachers, students, staff from facilities and procurement, and consider help from outside experts.  
  • Understand energy needs and estimate solar potential: review electricity use history, estimate costs and potential savings, assess site potential and solar output potential.
  • Compare financing options: assess ownership options including direct or PPA, and investigate local, state, federal and utility incentives.
  • Identify regulatory hurdles: learn local planning and zoning requirements, investigate net metering opportunities.  
  • Prepare and issue a request for proposal: ensure RFP meets statutory requirements, clearly define the project, and include educational opportunities.
  • Evaluate and select the developer: develop a list of key criteria and a scoring plan.
  • Oversee construction and installation: hold regular progress monitoring meetings, document regulatory compliance, and perform regular inspections.
  • Monitor performance, operations, maintenance: if necessary, develop an operations and maintenance agreement, and ensure ongoing safety of the site.

Success stories

Some schools have undergone this process and offer an example for other districts to learn from.

school project solar panel

Image: Generation180

For example, the San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) includes 136 schools and 55,000 students. In 2017, the school district adopted a carbon-neutral resolution that called for phasing out fossil fuels by 2040 and generating all power on-site by 2050. The district installed its first solar projects 10 years ago, and over the past decade has saved more than $20 million on energy bills.

Developed in partnership with ENGIE, SSFUSD has installed over 2 MW of PV capacity, implemented high energy-efficiency technologies, and has reduced its energy expenditures by over 75%. The solar was installed in two main phases, with 1.68 MW added in phase one on fifteen school locations. Phase two added three more sites, totaling 352 MW. The installations were mounted on carports, athletic stadiums, and academic buildings.

Another example is the Discovery Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia. Opened in 2015, it became one of the largest buildings in the country to be certified as zero energy. The building was designed to be 66% more energy efficient than the district average by optimizing solar orientation and shading, in addition to installing smart energy efficiency upgrades on heating and cooling, lighting, and more.

school project solar panel

Image: NREL

The 496 kW, 1,700 panel system produces more energy than the school uses, and it saves roughly $100,000 a year in energy costs. It sits upon single-axis trackers to maximize output. In planning for construction of the school, it was discovered the building would cost $262 per square foot without solar, and $316 per square foot with it.

While solar made a sizeable impact on the building’s construction costs, it helped the school achieve net zero, and it is expected to produce a net financial benefit in energy bill savings. Plus, with solar falling steadily in cost since the school’s construction in 2015, and more incentives coming online across the country in that time, the cost-effectiveness of solar on schools has only improved.

This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com .

Ryan Kennedy

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Don’t forget to factor in EV school buses. Free ‘fuel’ from the panels and a dual-use option with the stored power.

With V2G, schools+EV buses could become virtual power stations–particularly during weekends, summer months, holidays, natural disasters, etc.

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Solar Energy for Schools: The Benefits and How to Get Started

Solar energy is not just a solution for homeowners and businesses, it’s also a powerful resource for schools. From K-12 schools to universities, solar energy offers significant benefits, including cost savings, educational opportunities, and a positive environmental impact.

As the world continues to combat the effects of climate change, the need for sustainable and renewable energy sources is stronger than ever. Schools across California are realizing the potential of solar energy, as it offers numerous benefits. For starters, solar can help school districts save money on energy costs. Solar panels generate clean and renewable electricity that can significantly lower utility bills each month. In addition to financial savings, solar also helps reduce pollution and promote sustainability in the local community.

In this article, we’ll discuss the numerous advantages that solar energy offers to educational institutions and provide a roadmap for initiating the transition to solar power.

The Benefits of Solar Energy for Schools

According to a study by ScienceDaily , schools that install solar panels can reduce harmful air pollution, help the environment, and enhance student learning, all while cutting electricity costs. The research indicates that by fully utilizing all suitable areas for solar panel installation, schools can potentially cover up to three-quarters of their electrical requirements. This could significantly decrease the carbon emissions associated with the education sector, potentially by around 28 percent.

Here are some additional benefits that solar energy can bring to schools across the nation:

The Financial Benefits of Solar Energy for Schools

One of the most immediate benefits of solar energy for schools is the potential for significant economic savings. K-12 school districts in the U.S. spend more than $8 billion per year on energy, with energy costs in many districts being second only to salaries.

A study by Stanford behavioral scientist, Gabrielle Wong-Parodi, also suggests that investments in the right solar projects , with the right incentives from states, could free up much-needed money in schools’ budgets. “Schools are paying for electricity anyway,” Wong-Parodi said in a press release from the university. “This is a way, in some cases, that they can reduce their costs. If there’s a rebate or a subsidy, it can happen more quickly.”

The Environmental Impact of Solar Energy in Schools

In the United States, around 11 percent of the energy consumed by buildings is attributed to educational facilities . These institutions are also responsible for about 4 percent of the country’s total carbon emissions. By switching to solar energy, schools can play a significant role in combating climate change. This is particularly important in California, where schools are increasingly being called upon to lead the way in sustainable practices .

Moreover, solar panels on school rooftops can help reduce harmful air pollution. Power plants operate on conventional energy sources, including coal and natural gas, which generate pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants contribute to smog, acid rain, and serious health consequences. By going solar, schools help improve air quality and public health in their communities.

The Impact of Solar Energy on the School Community

By reducing energy costs, schools can free up funds for other important resources, such as textbooks, technology, and extracurricular programs. Furthermore, solar energy projects often involve the wider school community, which fosters a sense of collaboration and shared purpose.

The Educational Benefits of Solar Energy for Schools

Solar energy isn’t just about cost savings and environmental benefits. It can also provide a practical, hands-on lesson in sustainability for students.

Schools can use their solar energy systems as teaching tools to help students learn about renewable energy, climate change, and sustainability. Some schools already use data from their own solar energy systems to help students understand concepts like fractions or to demonstrate how shifting solar panel angles can affect power production.

How Schools Can Get Started with Solar Energy

Switching to solar energy may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and resources, it can be a smooth and rewarding process.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how schools can get started with solar energy.

Step 1: Conduct a Feasibility Study

The first step in any solar project is to conduct a feasibility study , which involves assessing the school’s energy needs, evaluating the suitability of the site for solar installation, and estimating the potential cost savings and environmental benefits.

Step 2: Secure Funding

Solar installations require an upfront investment, but there are many funding options available to schools. These include grants, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and leasing arrangements.

Step 3: Select a Solar Installer

Choosing the right solar installer is crucial to the success of the project. Schools should look for installers with experience in the education sector, a strong track record of successful installations, and a commitment to customer service.

See how we designed and installed a solar panel system for La Escuelita Educational Center in Oakland, CA that will save the school more than $6.3 million over the lifetime of their system. Explore additional solar projects we completed for California Schools . 

Step 4: Install and Maintain the Solar System

Once the installer has been selected, they will design and install the solar system. While solar energy systems are low maintenance, the system should be regularly maintained to ensure it continues to operate at the highest efficiency.

The Future is Bright with Solar Energy

Solar energy offers a wealth of benefits for schools, from cost savings and environmental benefits to educational opportunities and community engagement. By making the switch to solar, your school can take a leading role in the fight against climate change, while also providing a brighter future for your students.

For more detailed information for your upcoming clean energy project, contact us today for a free financial analysis that includes costs, finance options, ROI and more. 

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In a field behind an elementary school in rural Middlesex County, Virginia, near the Chesapeake Bay, an ambitious plan has been taking shape: Schools Superintendent Peter Gretz and other local administrators are preparing to power their school district with solar energy.

By next August, Virginia-based solar developer Sun Tribe Solar expects to have an array of solar panels in place in that field that can generate enough electricity to power the county’s elementary school and middle school—at a price well below their current electricity costs—while offering students, teachers and the community a way to learn about clean energy .

“We felt it was important work for our kids, and we wanted them to see the community leading in a way that was responsible and sustainable, as well as fiscally responsible and efficient,” Gretz said.

The number of schools powered by solar is growing quickly. About 5 percent of all K-12 U.S. schools are now powered by the sun, and their solar capacity has almost doubled in the last three years, according to a new study by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), The Solar Foundation, and Generation 180, a clean energy nonprofit.

The nearly 5,500 schools using solar power today have a total of 910 megawatts of solar capacity, enough to power 190,000 homes, according to the study.

The biggest reason for the surge is the economic benefits of solar energy. Drastic declines in price have made it financially viable for schools. Both public and private schools are reducing their electricity bills with solar, leaving them more money to spend on educational programs, according to the research. Many are also incorporating renewable energy into their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lessons.

Mirroring the overall solar landscape, California has the most school installations, with nearly 2,000 schools that use solar power. Nevada has the highest adoption rate: 23 percent of schools are now using solar energy. New Jersey, Arizona, Massachusetts and New York, other states with solar-friendly policies and a rapidly growing solar base, also have high adoption rates, according to the study.

“People are excited about the environmental benefits, and the curriculum development, but what has moved the needle is the economics,” said Devin Welch, vice president of business development for Sun Tribe. “It has really changed the narrative completely.”

Schools Are Saving Millions of Dollars

Sun Tribe has spent the last two years working to expand solar in Virginia, which gets less than 1 percent of its electricity from solar. The company has installed an array on a private school campus near Charlottesville and on the University of Virginia’s campus . By partnering with the Virginia Association of Independent Schools, Sun Tribe is working to expand a pilot program for third-party power purchase agreements in the state.

“Schools have always been in demand for solar because it aligns so well with their mission: preparing the next generation of leaders,” Welch said.

Solar arrays in a school parking lot. Credit: Sage Renewables

According to the study, the average school solar system is about 300 kilowatts, which is 900 to 1,200 panels. Most are installed on rooftops, but there are many other models: solar farms are being built near campuses or on shaded carports in parking lots; urban schools with less space are participating in community solar projects ; new buildings are being designed to be solar or net-zero-energy ready. The projects can save school districts into the millions of dollars over the projects’ 25-year lifetime. Kern High School District in Bakersfield, California, for example, is estimated to save as much as $80 million in electricity costs over 25 years with its 22-megawatt project.

The upfront costs of the majority of school solar projects are funded through power purchase agreements, which allow a solar company to install panels and sell the power to the school, but some have also been funded through school bonds if the state does not allow third-party solar.

Middlesex County is using a power purchase agreement with Sun Tribe and will pay 6.8 cents a kilowatt-hour for solar, compared to about 9 cents the district currently pays, Gretz said. The district expects to save about $2.5 million in energy costs over 25 years with the solar panels.

The Students Get It

There has been some pushback from communities, although most, even in a conservative state like Virginia, have been on board as prices have dropped to make solar more affordable for schools. But the students get it, Welch said. In many cases, students have been the ones to push schools to transition to solar power, and some have gotten jobs with solar installers after projects were completed.

To cultivate more of that enthusiasm, solar companies are partnering with local organizations to develop math and science curriculums that teach students and teachers about renewable energy. In North Carolina, the nonprofit NC GreenPower has a program that offers low-income schools in the state a curriculum about solar, along with a 5-kilowatt solar array and weather station that classrooms and often, the community, can use as an educational tool.

“We hope this opens the door, especially in areas where solar is not welcomed,” said Katie Lebrato, marketing communications director for NC GreenPower. “This provides an educational opportunity for folks who live nearby.”

The sector is growing rapidly, but like the solar industry as a whole, the expansion of solar-powered schools depends on market forces, cheaper technology, the adoption of solar-friendly regulations by states, and the outcome of the international solar tariff trade case , said Shawn Rumery, SEIA director of research.

In Middlesex County, construction is about to begin. Gretz is excited to learn alongside students about how solar energy works. “I don’t know anything about solar, I was an English teacher,” he said. “The kids will be involved and teachers are involved. It’s important for kids to see and have access to this technology.”

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Solar Schoolhouse

Solar Cell Classroom Set

The new solar cell classroom set (#scs4).

school project solar panel

Solar Schoolhouse makes Solar Cell Classroom Sets for hands-on explorations of solar power and electricity. In 2021 we’ve updated the contents to allow for more projects – including the Solar Carnival , Whirlygigs , Solar Spin Art , Solar Music Challenge , and Solar Village Projects. There are several student exercises for developing an understanding of basic electric theory and the photovoltaic effect. There are also troubleshooting tips and suggestions for repairing solar cells. Activities using the Solar Schoolhouse Solar Cell Classroom Set range from qualitative to quantitative experiences. Solar cells can be used with kindergarten classes to experience the photovoltaic effect (sunlight makes the motor spin) or with colleges and trade schools to plot the IV curves of solar modules. Students can build simple circuits to power a variety of electrical loads. Radios, motors, kinetic sculptures, and model homes can be powered with the Solar Cell Classroom Set.

There are 2 sizes of Solar Cell Classroom Set available. The Primary difference is the quantities of solar cells/motors etc to serve different class size. See the chart below.

school project solar panel

Visit the Solar Schoolhouse Store to purchase a Solar Cell Classroom Set

Solar cell explorations.

Solar Cells are a fun way to learn about basic electrical circuits. One can engage students in a variety of activities in a Qualitative manner using observation as the method of assessment. If your class has a set of Digital Multi-meters, you can also measure volts & amps in a variety of scenarios, to gain a greater understanding of how solar cells work.

Qualitative Solar Cell Exploration

  • Simple Solar Circuits Worksheet with step by step approach for evaluating simple solar circuits. Requires 2 solar cells, 1 motor, and a propeller fan or wheel, for each student team. Have students write their observations in their journals. [PDF ]
  • As a 2nd Design Challenge give each student team one Sound Module with wires. The Sound Module (aka music chip) is typically found in a musical greeting card and powered by a battery. The students must figure out what configuration of the 2 solar cells will make it sing.

Quantitative Solar Cell Exploration

  • Using the Digital Multi-Meter to evaluate solar cell performance, quantify power characteristics of series and parallel circuits, study the behavior of volts and amps under varied conditions, and troubleshooting simple solar circuits. The first step is to lean how to use a Digital Multi-meter with solar cell circuits [ video tutorial ], and using a worksheet to evaluate several combinations using 2 solar cells, 1 motor, and a propeller fan. [ PDF ] Requires a DMM (Digital Multi-meter)

Video Tutorials for Solar Circuits

school project solar panel

Simple Solar Circuits (5 min) Electrical Terminology (6 min 23 s) AC DC Electricity (3 min) PV (Solar) Cell Structure (4m 40s) Using a Digital Multi-meter for low-voltage solar circuits (9 min)

These videos can be used to introduce terminology and concepts. Additional video tutorials and stories can be found at our Solar Schoolhouse Youtube Channel.

Additional Resources for Project or Activity Extensions

school project solar panel

The Magic of Solar Cells

Introducing Solar Cells to your class with The Magic of Solar Cells video and poster. This short video ( ~ 6 minutes) helps introduce the history of solar cells (aka photovoltaics) and their many uses around the world. The video can be a good starting point for your class to then segue into exploring solar circuits using the Solar Cell Classroom Set, and ultimately applying their knowledge to building a project such as a whirlygig, Solar Carnival Ride or Solar Spinart.

Students could pick an application of interest or randomly pick one, so that all the applications are researched. They would do a little more research, write up a short summary of what they found, and share out with the class. In this manner, students will gain a broader perspective on what this amazing technology can and is doing in our world, in addition to the hands-on experience.

Visit this page for additional teaching tips using the Magic of Solar Cells resource, including a deck of cards for distributing applications, an EdPuzzle version of the video with embedded questions for students, and more. A Magic Solar Cell Article Bank is available with vetted articles for students to peruse, as an option to searching on the internet.

school project solar panel

Solar Carnival

Using the Solar Cells, motors, and yellow wheels found in the Solar Cell Classroom Set, students are invited to create their own Solar Carnival Ride. The ‘Rocket’ or ‘Swing’ Rides are moderately challenging and work well with these solar cells. You may need to drill some holes into the yellow wheels to utilize brass brads – this helps with dissembling the creations at the end of the project, so you’ll have them to use again the next school year. Visit the Solar Carnival Page to learn more. Scroll down the whole page to find tip sheets for building the different rides and see what other teachers have done with this project. We’ve also created a specific ‘student’ solar carnival page where you can direct students to find resources.

school project solar panel

Solar Spinart

Solar Spinart – The solar cells, motor, and yellow wheel in the Classroom Set can be used to create Solar Spinart. This is an inexpensive way to add another artistic element to your solar explorations. Using a small pvc coupling with a notch cut out at the bottom to hold the motor upright, plus some double-sided tape and felt-tip colored pens, are all that is needed. Click here for instructions . The Solar SpinArt page has more details along with templates for your use.

school project solar panel

Solar Whirlygigs

Solar Whirlygigs are aka Solar kinetic sculptures. Making something move with solar power is a great way to both learn and teach about how solar cells work. Try to avoid using glue so you can reclaim the ingredients after project completion. Several whirlygig kits are shown here along with additional ideas for projects. To use the ingredients from the Classroom Set to power these creations, a simple approach is to use the brass fasteners to attach a cardboard circle to the wheel and motor. Then students can glue, tape, wire other decorations to the surface of their whirlygig creation, trying to balance everything so that it spins and doesn’t tip over. The pvc motor mounts in the Classroom Set can be placed in a small cardboard box for additional stability, or you can challenge your students to engineer additional support using various materials you provide, without using glue. This might include cardboard scrap or small cardboard boxes or other packaging material that would otherwise be thrown away or recycled. Since the solar cells are free-floating in this scenario, you might provide some wire ties for students to secure the solar cells to a cardboard support, or using tape on the back of the cells. Wire ties can also be made by cutting pieces of insulated solid wire (~ 20awg size).

school project solar panel

Tips for Building Solar Circuits ( click here to download printable pdf ) posted 2017.06.08 This sheet could be given to students as a quick reference as they work through any solar circuit explorations or as they develop projects.

school project solar panel

Reflection = more Power?

Creating a 4 sided reflector to increase Power output from the mini (0.5v*400mA) solar cell. Template for making 4 sided reflector using metalic hvac tape as reflective material. [400kb pdf. 20160924 T.Allen] . One challenge for students, as they learn about volts and amps and solar cell dynamics, is to ask them to increase power output … without adding another solar cell! This 4-sided reflector ‘might’ just be a solution. but what is increased? volts, amps, or both? A digital multi-meter (there is one in the Classroom Set) will help answer this question.

Additional Resources

  • T emplate and video tutorial for making a Sun Angle Quadrant Finder . The Quadrant is a useful tool for measuring tilt angles of solar cells during solar explorations.
  • This one pager shows how to attach the Quadrant to a solar cell or module to determine the best tilt angle for best solar performance.
  • Link to the Guide for the #SCS3 Solar Cell Classroom Se t Solar Cell Classroom Set v.20090501 [6MB pdf]

Upgrade your #SCS3 Solar Cell Classroom Set to enable the new projects. Kit Price: $98 (see ingredients below. order via Store page)

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DIY Solar Panel Projects for School and Educational Settings

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Energizing Education: How DIY Solar Panels Empower Learning Environments

Greening schools step-by-step guide for diy solar panel installations, hands-on sustainability: exciting diy solar panel projects for schools, transforming classrooms: diy solar panels powering education, creating bright futures: engaging students with diy solar panel projects.

DIY Solar Panel Projects for School and Educational Settings

The Power of Hands-On Learning

Key takeaways:, empowering future generations, the economic benefits, overcoming challenges, why should schools go solar, step-by-step guide for diy solar panel installations, step 1: assess your school's energy needs and capacity, step 2: obtain necessary permits and approvals, step 3: design your solar system, step 4: procure quality solar panels and equipment, step 5: prepare the installation site, step 6: install the solar panels, step 7: test and monitor your solar system, step 8: educate and involve your school community, the future is green: key takeaways, the importance of hands-on sustainability education, exciting diy solar panel projects for schools, solar-powered charger, solar water heater, solar-powered led light, the rising popularity of diy solar panels, the educational benefits of solar power, stem education, critical thinking and problem-solving, environmental awareness, entrepreneurial spirit, a brighter future for education, the benefits of diy solar panel projects for students, key takeaways for students, industry statistics: shining a light on solar energy.

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Building Solar Cells In The Classroom

ANSER researchers prepare a new generation for a more sustainable future

Renewable energy saw the highest growth rate of any fuel source in 2017, meeting a quarter of global energy demand growth last year according to the International Energy Agency. With an eye on this rapidly changing global energy landscape, members of the Argonne-Northwestern Solar Energy Research (ANSER) Center have developed an experiential learning program and startup company to teach younger generations about the shift towards a more sustainable future. The researchers have created hands-on educational kits that allow middle school and high school students to build solar cells and batteries using common household items.

“We believe it’s important to engage students in the STEM fields [science, technology, engineering, and math] at an early age,” says Dick Co, research professor of chemistry at Northwestern and ANSER Center director of operations and outreach. “Who wouldn’t enjoy making a solar cell with their own hands and experiencing the magic of turning sunlight into electricity?”

Sameer Patwardhan building solar cells

The solar cell kits allow students to use everyday ingredients, such as blackberry juice, to make functional solar panels. Sunlight activates the purple substance inside the blackberry juice to release electrons that flow out of the solar panel to give electric power. The other kits, which focus on battery technology, allow students to use the chemical energy stored in selected food and other household items to make electricity. Students learn about mechanical assembly, acidity of food, acid batteries, and energy storage.

Sameer Patwardhan, a former postdoctoral fellow at the ANSER Center, and Co decided to develop the kits after years of conducting educational workshops for thousands of students and hundreds teachers. During these engagements, they began to see a gap in the types of programs that were available. They also noticed that even highly motivated teachers faced logistical and budgetary barriers to bringing these types of activities into their middle and high school classrooms.

“We learned that affordable, hands-on activities in solar energy science are almost non-existent in school curricula, and that there is a dire need for inquiry-based learning under the Next Generation Science Standards that are currently being implemented in schools across the US,” says Patwardhan. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are guidelines adopted by 19 states—including Northwestern’s home state of Illinois—and the District of Columbia with the goal of creating common standards for teaching and developing greater interest in science among students.

“Our efforts to disseminate the research conducted at the ANSER Center to a broad audience and inspire the next generation naturally led us to the development of these hands-on activities. What followed was the manufacturing of these educational kits under the spin-out company PC Technologies LLC. Our kits and curricula have already reached classrooms in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa,” says Patwardhan.

While do-it-yourself dye-sensitized solar cells are not new, Patwardhan and Co founded PC Technologies to address several obstacles faced by teachers and enthusiasts, including high costs and complexity of ordering and stocking supplies. The educational kits from PC Technologies are all self-contained, making it easier and cheaper for teachers to bring these experiments to their classrooms.

“With the solar kits, students get excited to see sunlight powering an LED light. And with the battery kit, they are amazed to see a lightbulb glow for days by just using pieces of potato, for example. It creates an element of surprise and wonder that generates curiosity in the STEM fields,” Patwardhan says.

The mission of the ANSER Center is to revolutionize humans’ understanding of molecules, materials, and methods necessary to create dramatically more efficient technologies for solar fuels and electricity production. For Co, the kits are a natural extension of that mission.

“The ANSER Center remains committed to creating and mentoring a technically excellent workforce capable of solving energy-related problems. With the global reach of our science kits, we’re inspiring the workforce and consumers of solar energy far into the future,” he says.

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Belleville News-Democrat

Following national trend, these metro-east schools are going solar. What are the benefits?

Jan. 8—Walking up to the Harmony-Emge campus in Belleville, it looks much the same as it has in recent years.

But from a drone or satellite view, there's a notable change that occurred in 2020.

Rows of solar panels now line the roof, harnessing energy from the sun and converting it into electricity for Harmony Intermediate Center and Emge Junior High School.

Nearby at Ellis Elementary — the third school in Harmony-Emge School District 175 — a slightly smaller solar installation is easier to see, with panels installed on the ground just south of the school.

The systems were completed under the leadership of then-Superintendent Dave Deets, who told the Belleville News-Democrat at the time that the district was doing so to cut electricity costs and lead the way with environmental initiatives.

The project cost $1.2 million, but the district benefited from hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial incentives from the state that brought the net cost down.

Now, the solar panels are paying off.

"They offset our costs pretty substantially, especially with the rise in energy prices since the completion of the project," Superintendent Dustin Nail said.

The district saved about $50,000 in the first year of having the roof-mounted system at the Harmony-Emge campus and the ground-mounted system at Ellis Elementary, according to Nail. In the second year, the district saved about $70,000.

He said the district expects to see additional savings now that it has paid off a loan it took out to purchase the equipment.

The cost savings come from the district being able to supply a large portion of its own electricity and not having to pay for that energy from the grid, which is subject to price fluctuations.

"We're using less of that energy, so that fluctuation has less of an impact on our budget," Nail said.

He said when energy prices changed significantly about a year and a half ago, a lot of school districts saw their power bills double.

Since school districts set their budgets a year in advance, anticipating those fluctuations is "almost impossible" and districts then have to look at other areas to cut, Nail said.

On his computer and on monitors in hallways, graphs show how much energy the panels are producing in real time as well as on a daily and yearly basis for the district, staff, students and visitors to see. The data helps the district make sure that the panels are maintaining their effectiveness, Nail said, and teachers have been able to incorporate solar energy into science curriculum.

With a few years under its belt, Harmony-Emge 175 — which was one of seven school districts nationwide to be recognized in 2020 as a "District of Character" — is now exploring the possibility of expanding its solar project.

Nail said the district is conducting a study with Veregy, which it worked with for the two existing installations, to see what a solar canopy system over its buses would look like and what additional savings that might provide.

The system would protect the district's buses from the elements and provide power for electric vehicle charging stations that staff and others in the community could use, as well as charging stations for electric buses if the district adds them to its fleet.

School districts increasingly going solar

Harmony-Emge is not alone in turning to solar energy to save money on electricity costs and reduce its carbon emissions.

Many school districts across the country, state and metro-east have similarly opted for solar in some capacity, including — but not limited to — Triad Community Unit School District 2, Belle Valley School District 19, Mascoutah School District 19, Granite City Community Unit School District 9 and Highland Community Unit School District 5.

Belleville Township High School District 201 and Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 are also currently in the process of going solar.

At its November meeting, Belleville 201's Board of Education approved a proposal from StraightUp Solar to install a solar array along the south roof facing Illinois Route 15 of the Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence, or CAVE.

Superintendent Brian Mentzer said District 201 has been engaged in discussions about solar for six or seven years, but wasn't able to find a good fit at Belleville West or East.

At the CAVE, which opened its doors to students in fall 2022, there's a large roof that's positioned in a way that can optimize solar benefits, he said.

The timing is also right for the district now given the federal and state incentives available for districts to go solar.

The total solar system on the roof of the main CAVE building costs $991,000, but through a variety of incentives — two of which are immediate and one that is paid back to the district annually over seven years — the net cost will be $275,000.

The estimated cost savings over the 25-year lifespan of the solar array is $1.8 million.

The financial incentives Belleville 201 and other districts have been able to leverage include Ameren Illinois' smart inverter rebate, solar renewable energy credits through the Illinois Shines program and direct pay investment tax credits, which were introduced and expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

Mentzer said the incentives are the best that they have been for schools and that he thinks the time to take advantage of them will be limited.

"I worry that they won't be there if we wait," Mentzer said.

The solar array installation will be completed by July, and the district is also in the planning stage for another array on the forthcoming annex to the CAVE.

A $13 million solar project

Meanwhile, at Edwardsville District 7, the Board of Education at its November meeting approved the issuance of up to $13 million in debt certificates to install solar panels at 10 of the district's buildings, including Edwardsville High School, Liberty Middle School and Worden, Hamel, Leclaire, Glen Carbon, Albert Cassens, and Goshen elementary schools.

The district is doing so to reduce both electric costs and its carbon footprint, Public Relations and Communications Coordinator Mary Ann Mitchell said.

The plan is to have the installations complete 12 to 18 months from now, she said. Most of the solar panels will be roof-mounted, with the exception of Hamel Elementary School, which will have ground-mounted solar panels due to ongoing construction plans there.

The district expects between 40% and 60% in energy savings with the use of the solar panels, Mitchell said. Those savings will pay off the debt certificates over the next 15 years. Once they're paid off, the district will own the solar panels and continue to reap the benefits for the expected 30-year lifespan of the panels.

These metro-east school districts are following a national trend in which schools are increasingly turning to solar to power their buildings.

Since 2015, the amount of solar capacity installed at K-12 schools across the country has tripled and the number of schools with solar has doubled, according to a 2022 report from clean energy nonprofit Generation180.

In that report, Illinois ranked fifth out of the 51 states for cumulative solar capacity on K-12 schools and third for the number of schools with solar.

This story was originally published January 8, 2024, 6:00 AM.

(c)2024 the Belleville News-Democrat (Belleville, Ill.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Cool Green Science

Stories of The Nature Conservancy

Empowering Communities with Solar

TNC Science Brief

Published on February 12, 2024 - Updated on February 15, 2024

school project solar panel

The ongoing transformation of the U.S.’s energy systems—from a centralized system of fossil fuel plants to a distributed one with large- and small-scale renewable energy projects—creates a compelling opportunity to build the energy infrastructure of the future in partnership with local and historically excluded communities.

The study, Empowering Communities with Solar, led by Anjali Balakrishna and Liz Kalies , TNC’s lead renewable energy scientist for North America, explores how distributed solar projects can be designed to maximize their positive impact on the communities they serve, with a particular focus on how to shift power, remove barriers and provide social and economic benefits to historically excluded communities.

“This guide and its underlying research,” notes Balakrishna, “provide insight, case studies and recommendations for the energy industry on how distributed solar generation can be an important tool for empowering historically excluded communities in the energy transition – so those communities can be active drivers and owners of a better future, not overlooked casualties of a harmful system.”

The Big Picture

Decentralized energy – also called Distributed Energy Resources (DER) or Distributed Generation (DG) – are energy resources (often renewable) that generate power “at or near where it will be used” and are connected to local energy distribution systems rather than to utility-scale generators that connect to transmission lines.

Distributed solar projects, in particular, can be a powerful way to empower communities and build a strong, beneficial relationship between communities and energy production and use . 

The study outlines five learnings and accompanying recommendations to support stakeholders across the energy industry in promoting community-centric approaches to solar project design and development.

  • Safe and efficient buildings are an important prerequisite to “going solar.” A community-centric approach to clean power starts by ensuring homes and buildings are in good condition and efficient.
  • Community-centric solar is held back by a lack of relatability and trust between communities and the industry. A legacy of harmful interactions with the energy system – largely driven by the 20th century centralized, fossil-fuel powered model – has led to distrust amongst communities that has impacted their willingness to engage with solar energy projects. The renewable energy industry has not succeeded in rebuilding trust, and in some cases has developed a reputation for pushing communities without making sure they understand and relate to their projects.
  • Community-centric projects can offer transformative benefits that go beyond cheap power. Some of these benefits are tangible – like educational and professional opportunities, new revenue streams, resilience in extreme weather, and co-location of community sustainability services – while others are more intangible – like community building, participation in climate action and the energy industry, and serving as a model for other communities.
  • Community-centric projects face significant funding gaps, even with more supportive federal policy.  Despite a supportive federal policy environment, projects designed to benefit historically excluded communities face financing barriers.
  • Organizing and advocacy can help build a movement for community-centric solar with impact beyond individual projects. The energy democracy movement has laid a strong foundation and works to connect community-centric projects and advocate and organize for policy changes and education efforts that can enable more communities to benefit from solar.

The Takeaway

“It is important to note,” says Balakrishna, “that promoting solar projects based in and designed to serve communities is not the only way to achieve a more just and equitable energy system. Utility-scale clean energy projects are necessary to meet growing power demand and ensure reliable power service and can benefit from many of the learnings described here.”

Without a far-reaching overhaul of the energy system, the centralized grid will continue to play an important role, and distributed generation can both support grid strength and help achieve community empowerment goals. Ultimately, creating a more just and equitable energy system will not happen by default–it takes intentional action on the part of all the key stakeholders in the energy industry.

Read the Paper

Balakrishna, A., et al. (2023) Empowering Communities with Solar

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August 31, 2021

Story type: TNC Science Brief

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Energy.gov Home

 Achieving Target Will Create $1 Billion in Energy Savings

WASHINGTON, D.C.  — At the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP) Annual Summit today, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Marootian challenged the community solar industry to commit to meeting the NCSP target of 20 gigawatts (GW) of community solar by 2025—up from seven GW today. DOE also launched several new initiatives aimed at supporting the deployment of community solar, a critical tool for achieving DOE’s goal of 100% clean electricity by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while providing an equitable pathway to renewable energy for all Americans.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and Solar for All programs, this target is within reach,” said Jeff Marootian, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “DOE and our partners at NCSP are committed to providing industry with the tools and information they need to advance our national goal of accessible, affordable community solar for every American household.”

NCSP announced the target in 2021 and estimated that 20 GW of community solar would power the equivalent of 5 million households and create $1 billion in energy savings for subscribers. Since then, the rollout of new and expanded tax credits, and funding for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All residential investment programs, which can include investment in community solar, have primed the industry to experience rapid growth—and the market potential is significant. In a new report , the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) estimates that if all technically viable community solar is deployed, it could serve more than 53 million households and over 300,000 businesses in the U.S. that cannot access rooftop solar, representing nearly 1 terawatt of potential community solar capacity. 

View the study findings and attend NREL’s upcoming webinar to learn more . 

Solar panels in front of mountains

Mount Meeker and 14,259-foot Longs Peak serve as a backdrop for the Jeffco Community Solar Garden in Arvada, Colorado. The 1.5-megawatt farm serves homes in Arvada, parts of Jefferson County and other surrounding counties. Community solar gardens allow residents who can’t put solar panels on their homes or apartments to participate in clean energy programs by signing up with a developer, who acquires land for a panel array of 5 to 15 megawatts. 

In support of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary’s challenge to the industry, NCSP announced the following initiatives at the event:

Equitable Solar Communities of Practice 

The DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office selected five organizations to lead new Equitable Solar Communities of Practice, pending negotiation and final acceptance. These organizations will each receive $75,000 to identify and convene a core team of key stakeholders over a 6-month period to identify resource gaps, support the development and dissemination of best practices and resources, and identify pathways to scale equitable solar practices:

  • Solar United Neighbors: Equitable Access and Consumer Protections – This community of practice will focus on solar sales practices, contract terms and disclosures, and availability of financial products that support strong consumer protections and participation among all households, and inclusive education and outreach.   
  • Clean Energy States Alliance: Meaningful Household Savings – This community of practice will focus on providing household savings for energy burden reductions, wealth building opportunities, and other direct benefits for all households including renters.    
  • Clean Energy Group: Resilience, Storage, and Grid Benefits – This community of practice will support household- and community-level resilience, grid strengthening and grid-level resilience, and improved health outcomes through reduced or shortened power outages.  
  • Cooperative Energy Futures: Community-led Economic Development – This community of practice will focus on models and opportunities for local economic development which can include community ownership models, community benefits agreements, entrepreneurship support, and increased support for local-, small-, minority-, and women-owned businesses. 
  • Midwest Renewable Energy Association: Solar Workforce – This community of practice will work on ways to ensure that solar jobs are accessible to workers from all backgrounds, provide prevailing wages and benefits, support career pathways and training, and provide opportunities to participate in a union.   

Learn more about the Equitable Solar Communities of Practice . This funding opportunity is managed by   ENERGYWERX, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement set up by the DOE Office of Technology Transitions .

Least-Cost Optimal Distribution Grid Expansion (LODGE) Model 

LODGE , a new model released today, identifies the most cost-effective ways community solar can be sited on the grid, with a focus on minimizing interconnection costs and maximizing distributed resource deployment. Historically, community solar adoption can be held up by costly grid upgrades or untimely review processes. If adopted widely, the model has the potential to encourage streamlined interconnection and community solar deployment. The LODGE tool complements DOE’s existing  Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange program, a stakeholder partnership with the goal of enabling a faster, simpler, and fairer interconnection process for clean energy resources.  

Developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the model is being piloted with the Oregon Public Utility Commission Additional state utilities and electric public utility commissions interested in piloting the tool should become a LODGE model partner . 

Learn more about the tool at NCSP’s interconnection and LODGE model webinar on March 7 at 11 a.m. ET . 

Learn about  NCSP’s other community solar initiatives . 

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5 Best solar companies in Moscow, PA (2024 ranking)

There are plenty of solar companies out there - check out this updated ranking for the top rated solar installers in Moscow, PA based on shopper preferences. Compare customer ratings, company tiers, and genuine customer feedback to see which installer is the best fit for your solar project.

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Why you can trust EnergySage

The data on this page comes from real solar quotes to real solar shoppers on the EnergySage Marketplace. We give you access to transparent information so you can confidently make informed energy decisions. Learn more about how our Marketplace works and how we make money.

Solar companies in Moscow, PA 2024

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See the cost of solar in Moscow, PA

How we determine the best solar companies in moscow, pa.

At EnergySage, we care about connecting solar shoppers to high-quality solar energy companies. As such, any solar installers we list above are active on the EnergySage Marketplace in Moscow, PA and are pre-screened by our team.

What does it mean to be “pre-screened”? We evaluate every solar panel company to ensure that they’ll provide quality service to EnergySage users. These high-quality installers are approved based on their years of experience, licensing and insurance, reputation, and certifications. When bringing new installers into the EnergySage Marketplace, here’s how we ensure our partners are the best of the best:

At least three years of experience installing solar

Licensed and insured for solar installations

NABCEP certified

Reputation for excellent customer service and quality solar installations

Installs high quality solar equipment

Our rating tiers

Choosing the right installer can be difficult, especially when you’re deciding between multiple top-notch companies on EnergySage. To make it easier, we created a unique rating system that evaluates our partners’ performance based on real data from our Marketplace.

Elite+ installers are the most experienced, chosen, and celebrated companies on the Marketplace, having provided exceptional service to a high volume of shoppers for at least a year.

Elite installers earn top ratings from customers, endorsements from vendors, and win customers more frequently than their peers.

Advanced installers are among the top half of companies on the Marketplace for responsiveness, reputation, results.

Approved installers passed our rigorous screening criteria for experience, licensing, and positive reviews.

Solar resources for Moscow, PA

Pa solar panels, pa solar rebates and incentives, solar calculator, cost of electricity in pa, how to pick the best solar installer.

When you’ve already narrowed down your options to reputable installers and are trying to decide which quote to move forward with, here are three final considerations that distinguish the best from the rest:

Workmanship warranties

What is covered and for how long?

In the unlikely event there’s an issue with your solar panel system, it’s important to know who to call if something goes wrong. There are multiple warranties that come with your solar energy system, from manufacturer warranties for different components to workmanship warranties from your installer.

The workmanship warranty is specific to the work the installer performs, and is typically somewhere between one and 10 years. Be sure to check with your installer to see what’s included in the warranty, if there are any exclusions, and if there’s any cost to you in the event they have to come out and check on or replace some equipment.

The use of sub-contractors

Which crew will install your system?

In some instances, solar installers will rely on subcontractors to perform some, or all, of the work included during your solar installation. Don’t let this put you off: it’s entirely standard procedure in the industry. What is alarming, though, is a lack of transparency from installers about who will install your system and why they use subcontractors.

When you’ve narrowed down your list of potential solar installers, be sure to ask who will install the system–their own crew or subcontractors–and, if they use subs, ask why they do, what portion of the install the subcontractors will complete, and what oversight the company you purchase your system from has over the subcontractors. At the end of the day, the most important question is who will stand behind the quality of your installation.

How does each installer tailor their system to your needs?

Beyond ensuring that your solar installer has all of the appropriate licenses and industry-specific certifications, it’s important to work with a solar installer who has experience custom designing systems to fit their customers’ needs.

When you’re comparing your options, the best installers will work with you to understand your needs, as well as how solar fits your overall energy plans. Make sure your solar installer provides a consultative, professional solar experience, and if you’re also purchasing a solar battery system, they have proven experience with those products too.

By doing the legwork for you, EnergySage makes it easy to find reputable solar installation companies in Moscow, PA. We’ve already vetted all of our installer partners, and keep a close watch over their performance to ensure their installations and customer satisfaction are up to the levels that you–and we–expect. Start receiving free quotes from reputable installers in your area by creating an account on the EnergySage Marketplace today .

Common questions about Moscow, PA solar installers

How much do solar panels cost in moscow, pa.

As of February 2024, the average solar panel cost in Moscow, PA is $2.87/W . Given a solar panel system size of 5 kilowatts (kW), an average solar installation in Moscow, PA ranges in cost from $12,199 to $16,505 , with the average gross price for solar in Moscow, PA coming in at $14,352 . After accounting for the 30% federal solar tax credit and other state and local solar incentives, the net price you'll pay for solar can fall by thousands of dollars, and with options like a solar loan, solar lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA), you can find the right payment setup for your personal needs.

What are the best solar companies in Moscow, PA?

According to solar shoppers on the EnergySage Marketplace, the top five solar installers in Moscow, PA are:

  • Cosmo Solaris
  • Public Service Solar, LLC
  • Sunwise Energy
  • Electrotek Power Systems
  • GreenBrilliance LLC

How many solar companies are in Moscow, PA?

There are 7 solar companies in Moscow, PA on the EnergySage Marketplace.

Are solar panels worth it in Moscow, PA?

On average, solar shoppers in Moscow, PA save $47,758 over the course of 20 years that they would have paid to their utility company. Shoppers who connect with a solar provider in Moscow, PA on the EnergySage Marketplace have a solar payback period of 7.74 years - this means that after this period of time, cumulative electric bill savings pass the upfront cost of the solar power system.

Should you choose a local or national solar installer?

According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) , solar quotes from national installers are about 10 percent higher, on average, compared to those provided by local installers. However, if you decide a national installer is the best choice for your home solar panel installation, here are some of the biggest companies to consider: SunPower , Sunrun , Tesla , Trinity Solar , ADT Solar (formerly Sunpro), and Momentum Solar .

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Green construction for Moscow’s sustainable future

The good news is there has already been pioneering investment in this area. Already more than 250 energy-efficient buildings and structures – covering an area of over 1.5 million square metres – are in operation in Moscow. Over 120,000 people are now living and working in these energy-efficient buildings.

Business centres make up the largest share of our new energy-efficient buildings, followed by retail, warehouse and industrial real estate. They are powered by a combination of heating pump units, solar panels and collectors, as well as recuperators for ventilation emissions and effluents.

To encourage innovation in this area, in 2020 Moscow’s city government introduced an award scheme in the field of environmental protections. Winning second place in the Best Implemented Project Using Environmentally Friendly And Energy Saving Technologies category was a group who had developed solar panel equipment to power a hotel. Thanks to their invention, almost 70% of the hotel’s energy was generated by solar power.

The development of energy-efficient buildings in Moscow increases the level of resource conservation from between 20-45%, compared to buildings which have not adopted these innovative technologies. That translates to up to 90% savings in heat energy and power.

In Moscow, the prospects for the development of green building are obvious. It is impossible to imagine the development of a modern metropolis without investing in green technology. It offers great prospects both for the development of innovations and environmental technologies in the city – and for ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for its residents.

More Articles

March 10, 2021

Moscow continues to implement the city improvement and greening programme

March 9, 2021

Mayors call on the G20 to deliver green, just and local recovery from COVID-19

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Ukraine found an unlikely tool to resist Russia: Solar panels

school project solar panel

Russian airstrikes on Ukraine’s power grid plunged many parts of the country into darkness in the fall, but one water company was able to keep its pumps going. Its field of solar panels, installed as an environmentally friendly measure before the war, turned into a tool to resist the Kremlin’s attacks.

Now a growing number of Ukrainian hospitals, schools, police stations and other critical buildings are racing to install solar panels ahead of what many expect will be another hard winter.

A less carbon-intense, decentralized energy system is emerging as a key element of Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. Seven months of Russian attacks on the energy grid have left it severely damaged . Ukrainian doctors, teachers and others have discovered that efforts to boost sustainability can also improve security by making it harder to knock power offline. Ukrainian policymakers , meanwhile, are setting ambitious clean energy goals, trying to shake off their prewar reputation as lagging on climate issues.

Ukrainian Deputy Energy Minister Yaroslav Demchenkov said renewable energy and small modular nuclear reactors are among the country’s priorities in its rebuilding effort. Both would help reduce Ukraine’s prewar reliance on a heavily centralized power system, making it more resilient and helping lower emissions.

Ukraine generated 11 percent of its electricity from renewable sources in 2020, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency, although more than half of its electricity came from nuclear power plants, which have a low carbon footprint. The country’s goal is to build capacity for 30 gigawatts’ worth of clean electricity by 2030, which would cover about half of Ukraine’s needs.

“Before the war started, people were thinking just about the economics. Now it’s energy security,” said Dmytro Sakalyuk, who works on energy projects at Ecoclub Rivne, an environmental organization based in western Ukraine.

A push for solar

Advocates of renewables want solar power to be a sizable chunk of the new capacity. Although solar panels can’t easily rival the power generation of a nuclear plant, proponents say they are cheaper, faster to install and more useful as a quick solution to Ukraine’s immediate energy and security needs than nuclear power, which can take years to build and install.

If the efforts to spread renewable power are successful, advocates hope that they can speed Ukraine’s green future far faster than had been expected before the war. Some hope that installing solar panels might be the impetus for some Ukrainians to take even more actions to reduce their carbon footprint, strengthen their self-sufficiency and improve their ability to resist Russian attacks.

“It will be much more difficult to destroy this kind of decentralized system,” said Kostiantyn Krynytskyi, head of the energy department at Ecoaction , a leading Ukrainian environmental organization. “You cannot bomb all the installations. And bringing self-sufficiency will help. We saw now what centralization in our energy system means.”

Even though Ukraine recently approved resuming electricity exports to neighboring countries — a sign that its ability to generate power has recovered, for now, from the wintertime bombardment of the energy system — the solar work still calls for intense urgency, officials say. Ukrainian and allied officials warn that the cold months later this year could be even harder than the winter that just ended, because of the extent of damage the grid has suffered. Getting enough diesel to power all the backup generators is also a challenge.

“The situation in the energy sector is still very fragile,” Demchenkov, the deputy energy minister, said in an interview. “It’s a very important challenge for us right now, during this period of time, to have enough equipment and allow a fuel stock, because we have information that Russia will use winter as a weapon again. For us, it is really important to have the physical protection of energy facilities.”

The European Union has pledged to ship thousands of solar panels to Ukraine. Ukrainians are also hoping for help from the United States and elsewhere.

In the meantime, advocates hope the existing solar installations will serve as examples that build interest in a greener future.

Wartime panels

At a small hospital in the Kyiv suburb of Horenka, the medical staff learned the difficulty of operating without electricity in the first hours of the war last year. Horenka is next door to Hostomel, whose military airport was one of the first targets that Russian paratroopers attempted to capture. The town faced heavy Russian shelling. The hospital never closed its doors, but it lost power on the second day of the invasion and didn’t regain it for more than two months. Without power, its heating system partially failed. And then a shell landed on the street just outside the building, blowing out its windows and damaging the facade.

Now the hospital has been rebuilt. This past winter, along with much of Ukraine, it used diesel generators to keep going during blackouts. But these generators consume vast quantities of fuel, they are prone to breaking down, and their noise and fumes make them inconvenient for long-term use at places like hospitals.

Next winter, the medical personnel in Horenka hope to avoid them. In February, workers screwed solar panels onto its steeply pitched roof, completing a project that is expected to cover about half the hospital’s typical power needs — enough to ensure that critical equipment stays online even if the grid fails. A battery will extend the reach of the solar panels into the night. And an electric-powered heat pump can keep the hospital warm even if it gets cut again from the grid. The solar panels and battery cost $11,700 for a 12.6 kilowatt system — comparable in size to what might go on a house.

“We need long-term solutions for such hospitals,” said Denys Tsutsaiev, who works for Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe in Kyiv and, along with Krynytskyi, helped organize the hospital’s solar project.

One of the first questions Tsutsaiev gets from foreigners, he said, is whether it makes sense to push forward with renewable projects at a time when Russia is still shelling the country. But, he said, that misunderstands the need.

“People are back,” he said. “People cannot live at the moment without hospitals. They can’t live without schools.”

Nor did he and others expect solar panels to become targets. Given the small scale of the projects, it would not make sense for Russia to use one of its expensive and scarce missiles to go after solar panels on roofs, he said.

“It’s much more expensive to hit it with a missile than for us to rebuild it if it’s damaged,” he said.

Larger-scale renewable projects have proceeded despite the war, including a wind farm in the southern Mykolaiv region that just completed its first phase of construction in March.

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  1. Homemade Solar Power Projects

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  2. Watering using Solar Power

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  3. How to make a Solar House

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  4. Solar panel working project for school science fair project

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  5. mini solar powered fan

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  6. Libertyville schools' solar panels help teach, cut costs

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  1. Solar Power Project

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  4. Akyat Aral

  5. How to make solar panel energy project solar power project school project #short

  6. Solar Panel Sun Tracking Automation on off project #india #viral

COMMENTS

  1. What happens when schools go solar?

    May 2, 2019 Solar schools: Stanford research examines overlooked benefits of solar panels on U.S. campuses Rooftop solar projects at schools could reduce harmful air pollution, help the environment and enhance student learning while cutting electricity costs, a new study finds. Overall, the energy switch could deliver benefits valued at $4 billion.

  2. Solar Energy Is Helping Schools Make Ends Meet

    In Wise County in southwest Virginia, where solar energy is expected to save the school district $7.5 million over 35 years, the project paid for solar apprenticeships that officials said...

  3. Nearly one in ten K-12 schools have adopted solar energy

    Schools from grades K-12 are adopting solar energy at an accelerated pace as they target improved sustainability and reduced energy costs. Since 2015, solar for schools has tripled, and now 9% of schools source electricity from PV, said a report by Generation180. Energy is second only to teacher salaries when it comes to cost, according to NREL ...

  4. Solar on schools: A smart solution

    The 496 kW, 1,700 panel system produces more energy than the school uses, and it saves roughly $100,000 a year in energy costs. It sits upon single-axis trackers to maximize output. In planning for construction of the school, it was discovered the building would cost $262 per square foot without solar, and $316 per square foot with it.

  5. Experiment with Solar Power Science Projects

    Experiment with solar power by building your own solar-powered robot or oven or by testing ways to speed up an existing solar car. Or analyze how solar cells or panels work. Featured Take the Science Buddies Engineering Challenge! Try the annual Engineering Challenge from Science Buddies!

  6. Costs and Benefits of Solar Panels for Schools

    Solar panels for schools overview For schools considering installing solar panels, the reality is that any big educational institution will have major utility costs. Various analyses, such as our latest Marketplace Intel Report, revealed that larger solar systems earn more ROI. Thus, big entities like schools stand to save the most with solar.

  7. Solar-Powered Classroom

    Look up information about at least three different solar panels online, including their wattage, size (length × width), and price. Figure out how many of each type of solar panel you would need to power your mobile classroom. For example, if your mobile classroom requires 2,050 W, you would need twenty one 100 W panels, or nine 250 W panels.

  8. Toolkit for Installing Solar on K-12 Schools

    As part of this effort, they developed the Toolkit for Installing Solar on K-12 Schools to compile new and existing resources, designed to provide public school officials with a starting point for pursuing their own solar projects. Hands-on guidance in putting the ideas contained within this toolkit into action is available through the SolarOPs ...

  9. Solar Energy for Schools: The Benefits and How to Get Started

    The Benefits of Solar Energy for Schools. According to a study by ScienceDaily, schools that install solar panels can reduce harmful air pollution, help the environment, and enhance student learning, all while cutting electricity costs. The research indicates that by fully utilizing all suitable areas for solar panel installation, schools can ...

  10. 5,500 U.S. Schools Use Solar Power, and That's Growing as Costs Fall

    According to the study, the average school solar system is about 300 kilowatts, which is 900 to 1,200 panels. Most are installed on rooftops, but there are many other models: solar farms are being ...

  11. Are Solar Panels The Future for Schools and Educational Facilities?

    The study further shows that installing a solar panel system could provide educational facilities with an opportunity to meet up to 75% of their electricity needs and reduce their carbon footprint by as much as 28%. Even one school can influence offsetting carbon emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy estimates, K-12 schools ...

  12. Solar Cell Classroom Set

    Solar Schoolhouse makes Solar Cell Classroom Sets for hands-on explorations of solar power and electricity. In 2021 we've updated the contents to allow for more projects - including the Solar Carnival, Whirlygigs, Solar Spin Art, Solar Music Challenge, and Solar Village Projects.

  13. DIY Solar Panel Projects for School and Educational Settings

    Key takeaways: DIY solar panels provide hands-on learning experiences for students Students gain a deep understanding of renewable energy sources and sustainability Building solar panels fosters practical skills and enhances student engagement Empowering Future Generations

  14. Building Solar Cells In The Classroom : Paula M. Trienens Institute For

    The solar cell kits allow students to use everyday ingredients, such as blackberry juice, to make functional solar panels. Sunlight activates the purple substance inside the blackberry juice to release electrons that flow out of the solar panel to give electric power.

  15. The Solar Classroom Lesson Plan

    Learn Solar Basics. Before Aaron's students could launch their own solar project, they needed to develop a deep understanding of how solar panels work. Take a look at our Energy 101: Solar PV video for a breakdown of how solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Watch Aaron's class give a video explanation of how their solar system works.

  16. Following national trend, these metro-east schools are going solar

    Nearby at Ellis Elementary — the third school in Harmony-Emge School District 175 — a slightly smaller solar installation is easier to see, with panels installed on the ground just south of ...

  17. Middle School, Use Solar Energy Science Projects

    Middle School, Use Solar Energy Science Projects (9 results) Use solar energy as you create your own robot, make your own oven, make freshwater from saltwater, or collect and heat water. Or analyze how existing solar cells or panels work. Featured Take the Science Buddies Engineering Challenge!

  18. Empowering Communities with Solar

    Distributed solar projects, in particular, can be a powerful way to empower communities and build a strong, beneficial relationship between communities and energy production and use. The study outlines five learnings and accompanying recommendations to support stakeholders across the energy industry in promoting community-centric approaches to ...

  19. DOE Challenges Solar Industry to Triple Community Solar by the End of

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s National Community Solar Partnership (NCSP) Annual Summit today, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Marootian challenged the community solar industry to commit to meeting the NCSP target of 20 gigawatts (GW) of community solar by 2025—up from seven GW today. DOE also launched several new initiatives aimed at supporting ...

  20. 5 Best solar companies in Moscow, PA

    As of December 2023, the average solar panel cost in Moscow, PA is $2.91/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kilowatts (kW), an average solar installation in Moscow, PA ranges in cost from $12,374 to $16,742, with the average gross price for solar in Moscow, PA coming in at $14,558. After accounting for the 30% federal solar tax credit and ...

  21. Green construction for Moscow's sustainable future

    Winning second place in the Best Implemented Project Using Environmentally Friendly And Energy Saving Technologies category was a group who had developed solar panel equipment to power a hotel. Thanks to their invention, almost 70% of the hotel's energy was generated by solar power.

  22. Ukrainians are putting solar panels on hospitals to fight blackouts

    Solar panels on schools, for instance, could make climate-friendly practices an ordinary part of children's lives, said Anastasiia Vereshchynska, international development manager at Energy Act ...

  23. High School, Use Solar Energy Science Projects

    The Sun sends us free energy every second and all we have to do is collect it. Taking advantage of free energy can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are harmful to our environment. In this science fair project, you will work with a solar panel, which is a collector of free energy, and investigate how varying the angle of the solar ...

  24. Elementary School, Use Solar Energy Science Projects

    Science Fair Project Idea. Solar cells are devices that can be used as a source of power when there is light shining on them, but they stop producing energy when they are not in the light. One way to store the solar energy for later use is to use a solar cell to charge something called a capacitor. The capacitor stores the energy as an electric ...

  25. Our Solar Energy Projects

    Solar. Our journey into solar at Moss began in 2009 by following our core values of honoring relationships and always possessing an entrepreneurial spirit! We were brought in to advise a client because of our reputation as an innovative builder in Florida with a focus on efficiency and true partnerships. By harnessing the boundless potential of ...

  26. Developer aims to move forward with housing project after settling

    A developer plans to move forward with a single-family home project near Homestead after settling a lawsuit against a former partner. The Bella Marie Estates project covers 21 home lots on 6.4 ...

  27. High School, Experiment with Solar Power Science Projects

    High School, Experiment with Solar Power Science Projects High School, Experiment with Solar Power Science Projects (2 results) Experiment with solar power by building your own solar-powered robot or oven or by testing ways to speed up an existing solar car. Or analyze how solar cells or panels work. Explore Our Science Videos