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Empowering Schools with Solar Energy: A National Movement

The National Solar Schools Movement is transforming K-12 education by encouraging the adoption of solar energy across the nation. In just three years, over 500 schools in 43 states have installed solar systems, creating educational opportunities while saving money and reducing carbon footprints. Schools can choose from various models, including small demonstration projects and large installations that significantly lower electric bills. With continued enthusiasm from communities, educators, and students, the movement reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation in education.

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Empowering Schools with Solar Energy: A National Movement

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  1. Solar for schools April 2013

  2. National solar schools movement • National movement among K-12 schools across the country to go solar • More than 500 K-12 schools in 43 states have gone solar in last three years • Part of larger effort by educators to: • Create educational opportunities • Save money • Reduce carbon footprints

  3. Taking schools solar • Wide range of effective models • Every project reflects needs and goals of school • Two major approaches • Large vs. small • Direct ownership vs. third-party ownership

  4. Small systems • Small, 1-5 kW projects • Installed in highly visible areas • Designed to demonstrate how solar works • Easy to incorporate into curriculum and activities because highly visible • Often implemented by individual schools or groups of parents

  5. Example • Illinois Solar Schools Program helps K-12 schools install 1 kW demonstration systems with online monitoring systems • Since 2006 the Program has funded projects at over 220 schools

  6. Large systems • Large solar installation on roof, parking lot, or open area • Include multiple buildings within school district • Offsets significant portion of school’s electric bill • Often planned as part of large building or renovation project, included in master plan for district

  7. Example • Milpitas School District in California installed solar parking lot canopies on 14 properties • District will save $12 million on electric bills over 25-years

  8. Model for taking schools solar • Direct ownership • Purchase solar systems outright • Retain RECs and incentives • See immediate savings on utility bills • Must provide upfront capital to pay for system • Cannot take advantage of federal and state tax incentives

  9. Examples of direct ownership Models • Bake Sale Model • Uses a combination of grants and fundraising to cover the entire cost of a solar system • Do not sign any long-term contracts with the installer • Good fit if: • Proposed system is small • Goal is to have a solar demonstration project • Have funding opportunities/grants available • Are located in wealthy community • Have student body that is large and/or very active

  10. Examples of direct ownership Models • Do-It-Yourself Model • Fundraise the cost of the system • Community members, parents, or teachers install the panels with the help of an installer • Good fit if: • Local installer is interested/willing to provide a discount on the system cost in exchange for help from community • Community members with solar installation or electrical experience are interested in helping with the project.

  11. Examples of direct ownership Models • State or Utility Solar Schools Programs • Some statesoffer state-sponsored or utility-sponsored programs that provide schools with grants for solar systems • For example: PG&E Foundation, TXU Energy, and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation • Visit your local utility’s website or check out http://www.dsireusa.org to see what programs are available

  12. Model for taking schools solar • Third-party Ownership • Third-party-financed PV installations are owned and operated by another entity, usually a solar developer or its investors • Can go solar with $0 upfront • Allows schools to take advantage of tax credits on systems • Less risk for schools, since do not own the panels • Operations and maintenance included in PPA agreement

  13. Examples of third-party ownership Models • Community-Owned Power Purchase Agreements • Similar to traditional PPAs • Members of the community create a third-party entity to own the system on behalf of the school in order to take advantage of tax incentives • Third-party entity (made up of community members) owns and operates the solar system • Members of the community can support a solar project financially while still earning a modest return on their investment.

  14. Examples of third-party ownership Models • Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. installed 120 solar panels on gym • Funded $200,000 cost of the project by inviting community members to purchase solar bonds in increments of $5,000 • Bonds earn a modest rate of return for about 10 years

  15. Examples of third-party ownership Models • Morris Model • Hybrid approach that allows a private solar developer to become the owner of the project • State or local government provides the solar developer with low-cost project capital by issuing debt (such as bonds).

  16. Conclusion • Nationwide movement for schools to go solar • Wide variety of approaches • See huge enthusiasm for projects among community members, administrators, students, and teachers

  17. Questions? • Emily Stiever • Program Director • Community Power Network • emily@communitypowernetwork.com • http://www.communitypowernetwork.com

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