Solar For Schools

We have a strong belief that the long-term fate of our environment lies in the hands of today's children. For many adults, purchasing a renewable energy system for their home or business is purely about the Return-on-Investment or increasing their property value. However, future generations will look at their solar system, or their electric vehicle charging station as a standard purchase for their new homes, much like picking out the type of tile you want in your kitchen is today. We believe that the only way that this will become a standard practice and not an option, is to teach America's children about sustainability and renewable energy systems from an early age.

As a professor at Western Washington University for over 15 Years, and now as one of the owners of Western Solar, Jack knows the value of educating young people about the environment. We hope to continue making a difference in the future, and that is why Western Solar is proud to be actively involved in several educational projects throughout the state. These projects total over 110 kWs and vary from a small 2 kW demonstration system on the Bellingham Environmental Learning Center, to the States largest thin-film project at over 39 kWs that was designed to power a new Middle School in the South Sound area.

Currently there are several funding sources for schools looking to develop a Renewable Energy Programs in Washington State. With the passage of the 2009 Stimulus funding, it is important that your school district, city, or non-profit agency look into funding sources that may have already been awarded locally for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects. In addition to the millions of dollars in federal stimulus funding the local utilities are doing their part to support renewable energy projects in our school system. Western Solar will provide independent consulting services and assist in the sourcing of these grant monies as they become available.

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) provides funding for the installation of educational solar projects throughout their service territory. The school districts receive on-going financial incentives through both PSE’s Net Metering program and a state renewable energy production payment. Funding for the Solar Schools Program is made possible through PSE’s Energy Efficiency Services program. To learn more about PSE's programs look for Customer Renewable Generation at www.PSE.com.

Seattle City Light's Green Power Program funds local renewable energy demonstration projects. These projects create awareness of renewable energy within our community, and help grow the local market for solar and other green technologies. A portion of funds support education and training programs for teachers, students, and the general public. Since 2002, the program has completed 24 solar projects at schools, parks, libraries, and other public places.

With the installation of any renewable energy system on your school, Western Solar always includes a detailed, internet based, real-time monitoring system. These systems include options for monitoring the systems both remotely and onsite through educational kiosks that can be installed in the science classroom or school commons area. With the addition of these systems teachers are able to teach their students about the true environmental, electrical and other savings that their school's system is producing. It is through this constant connection to their school's system that the children's awareness of what a renewable energy can do for them will grow and blossom into a long-term fundamental shift in their thinking about the environment and our place in it.