NC GreenPower Brings Solar to North Carolina Schools
September 10, 2019
Contact: Katie Lebrato, Marketing Communications Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In October 2003, NC GreenPower was launched to supplement North Carolina’s existing power supply with more green energy – that is, energy generated from renewable sources like the sun, wind, water and organic matter. At its 10-year anniversary, in 2013, NC GreenPower began assessing other initiatives and the potential of supporting solar photovoltaic (PV) projects that would make a broader impact on our local communities. The result was the NC GreenPower Solar Schools pilot program.
Introduced on April 1, 2015, Solar Schools uses a portion of NC GreenPower donations to provide matching grants for small PV systems (3 kilowatts) at North Carolina schools. All K-12 schools are eligible, though preference may be given to those in economically distressed counties as defined by the NC Department of Commerce. Through the program, schools receive a 50% matching grant up to $10,000 and are then tasked with raising the remainder of the costs.
NC GreenPower is also pleased to partner with the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation, which offers a $15,000 challenge grant to selected public schools that enables them to increase their system to 5 kilowatts.
Solar Schools utilizes the NC GreenPower fundraising website my.NCGreenPower.org. Awarded schools create a profile page and launch campaigns to raise money to fund their portion of the solar installation, and NC GreenPower supplements these efforts with marketing and social media promotion.
In addition to the solar array, schools receive a weather station, real-time monitoring equipment, a STEM curriculum and lesson plans, giving teachers valuable, hands-on tools to educate their students about renewable energy. “Our goal is to provide teachers and students with a really fantastic educational experience that can be used now and for years into the future,” says Vicky McCann, NC GreenPower’s vice president.
By the end of 2018, Solar Schools’ first four years had reached 27 North Carolina schools in 22 counties, bringing solar and energy education to more than 23,000 students. Now, NC GreenPower is excited to share the recently announced recipients of year five:
- The Center of Applied Sciences and Technology (COAST), Bolivia – Brunswick County
- Charles P. Murray Middle School, Wilmington – New Hanover County
- Hurley Elementary School, Salisbury – Rowan County
- Peachland-Polkton Elementary School, Peachland – Anson County
- Sunny View Elementary School, Mill Spring – Polk County
To participate in the fundraising campaigns of these schools, visit my.ncgreenpower.org/campaigns. Or learn more about supporting NC GreenPower to help provide grants to future schools by visiting www.ncgp.org/donate/now.
About NC GreenPower
Since 2003, NC GreenPower donors have helped support more than 1,000 renewable energy projects in almost every county in North Carolina. These projects have generated 950 million kilowatt-hours of green power, which is the equivalent of providing over 65,000 homes with electricity for a year. Carbon offset projects have mitigated approximately 73,000 tons of greenhouse gases – equivalent to the emissions from driving 186 million miles – and that’s like planting 11.31 million trees.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made by individuals or businesses through their utility bill or directly to NC GreenPower. Projects are located within North Carolina, so you can be sure that your contribution will stay local and support a brighter future for our communities. To support NC GreenPower and Solar Schools, and for more information on other programs, such as carbon offsets, visit www.ncgreenpower.org.