The NC GreenPower Solar+ Schools application opens in January, providing an opportunity for schools across North Carolina to expand student learning and install a 5kW educational solar array on site. Any NC K-12 school can apply for grant funding toward an educational solar installation worth nearly $42,000. Awardees also receive related benefits, including donated SunPower solar panels, a STEM curriculum and teacher training.
Next year, up to 20 schools are expected to receive a Solar+ Schools grant. Selected schools must raise between $6,000 to $12,000 to participate.
Since the program was founded in 2015, nine schools served by electric cooperatives have participated, including two 2021 recipients served by Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative and Four County EMC. Other previous electric co-op participants include Blue Ridge Energy, Brunswick Electric, Jones-Onslow EMC, Pee Dee Electric, Rutherford EMC and Union Power Cooperative.
“We’re honored to further our partnership with NC GreenPower and the Solar+ Schools program across our network of 26 electric cooperatives in North Carolina,” said Nelle Hotchkiss, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “We’re proud to support sustainable energy in our local communities because we know how important partnerships with schools, teachers and students are to our brighter future.”
NC GreenPower is a nonprofit formed by the North Carolina Utilities Commission whose mission is to expand public knowledge and acceptance of cleaner energy technologies to all North Carolinians through local, community-based initiatives. Including the 2022 Solar+ Schools grant recipients, donors have helped fund solar installations at 56 K-12 schools in 38 counties, reaching more than 43,000 students. Save the date for applications opening on Jan. 2 and learn more on the NC GreenPower website.