Provide Stability During Grid Interruptions

As climate change and population growth in many regions continues to impact energy grids, schools around the world have to cancel classes, disrupting learning, as well as putting students at various forms of risk. Being able to keep the lights on during black outs, brown outs, and climate disasters can keep students on track and safely at school (assuming that getting to and from school is still safe). 

Unique Campus Features

Unique opportunities are offered by the new devices being built. For example outdoor lighting can be solar powered, making the campus safer for kids coming or going during dark hours. Solar benches can provide comfortable seating, interactive learning opportunities, or even let students and staff charge their devices.

Making the Switch

The following resources are intended to help the school switch to greener energy, solar appliances, find grants, and other helpful resources. 

The first section here includes link to international directories and information pages, followed by a small directory of guides listed by location, generally using your local government's guide for schools to go solar, but also including some studies.

ASK  QUESTIONS

As with anything good, there are always pitfalls. Financial arrangements can be particularly tricky, so it is important to have a committee in place that can ask the right questions. 

Issues to address when considering a PPA include: 

• Who owns the system? 

• Who will maintain the system? 

• What happens to the system at the end of the 20-year contract period? 

• What rates will the school pay for electricity over the life of the contract?

• What (if any) types of technology, controls, or educational materials come with the system?

Europe

UK

• Gov.UK: “Power to the pupils”: Solar PV for schools "Guidance for schools on the benefits of solar PV, with practical advice on how to get started."

North America

USA

• Brighter Future A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools (PFD) "Schools are more than brick-and-mortar buildings, more than the meeting places for classroom instruction. They are centers of lifelong learning, societal guideposts and beacons for opportunity. In this third edition of “Brighter Future: A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools,” we showcase how schools are leading the way to a clean energy future in their classrooms, on their campuses and throughout their communities." 

Oceana

New Zealand

• Ministry of Education/Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga: Solar Panels "Information about the decision and approval process, and other advice about installing and maintaining solar panels."

Organizations & Programs

Nigeria

• Solar Community Hubs "Built from converted shipping containers, these computer hubs are solar-powered, which means they are self-sufficient and can be placed just about anywhere. With the help of our local partners, Solar Community Hubs provide an opportunity for young learners to benefit directly from the expertise of in-country trainers and gain first-hand experience with technology and the Internet.
  
  With the help of our technology partner, Dell Technologies, we’ve opened 25 labs in 7 countries. We’re inviting people and businesses who share our mission to join us in funding these labs—find out below how you can help sponsor a hub today!"

South Africa

• Kestrel Renewable Energy "Kestrel makes renewable energy accessible and affordable for rural communities, schools, and farmers across the globe."

• The Sun Exchange "Generate and sell clean energy online. From anywhere."

• Solar Community Hubs "Built from converted shipping containers, these computer hubs are solar-powered, which means they are self-sufficient and can be placed just about anywhere. With the help of our local partners, Solar Community Hubs provide an opportunity for young learners to benefit directly from the expertise of in-country trainers and gain first-hand experience with technology and the Internet.
  
  With the help of our technology partner, Dell Technologies, we’ve opened 25 labs in 7 countries. We’re inviting people and businesses who share our mission to join us in funding these labs—find out below how you can help sponsor a hub today!"

Tanzania

• 
  

• SolarAid: School Campaigns "SolarAid’s social enterprise, SunnyMoney has worked with thousands of schools across rural Africa, helping us kickstart solar markets and bring solar lighting to over 12 million people."

Uganda

• Istituto Oikos: Energy "Schools are essential places for growing and learning processes: make them suitable for the needs of students is fundamental. We installed photovoltaic systems in 20 Secondary Schools in the Arusha Region, in Tanzania, in order to improve educational standards and reduce the gap between rural and urban communities."

• SolarAid: School Campaigns "SolarAid’s social enterprise, SunnyMoney has worked with thousands of schools across rural Africa, helping us kickstart solar markets and bring solar lighting to over 12 million people."

Asia

India

• Solar Village Project: Solar Schools Program "One of the best ways to combat climate change is to ensure that those living without reliable access to electricity in the developing world move up the energy access latter using solar power and not fossil fuels.  We deliver solar power to communities within “the last mile” who can least afford it, removing the main barrier to sustainable energy becoming the norm in the developing world."

Israel

• Nour Palestine Solar Program / برنامج نور فلسطين للطاقة الشمسية  "أطلق صندوق الاستثمار برنامج “نور فلسطين للطاقة الشمسية بهدف تولید 200 ميجاواط كهرباء من الطاقة الشمسية أي ما يعادل %14 من احتياجات الضفة الغربية من الكهرباء. يبلغ حجم البرنامج الاستثماري 200 مليون دولار، وينبثق عن هذا البرنامج عدد من مشاريع الطاقة الشمسية، كمحطات توليد الكهرباء من الطاقة الشمسية، وبرنامج الطاقة الشمسية على أسطح 500 مدرسة حكومية."

Europe

UK

• Engynious Solar for Schools Programme "has installed solar PV systems at nearly 50 schools in the UK, all of which have received a free solar PV system linked to a programme that brings them environmental, economic and social gains.
  Engynious provides clean renewable power to the participating schools at low cost where it is needed without any financial burden associated with on-going maintenance and generation for these schools in a sustainable programme.
  As the long term investor, Engynious maintains and monitors each solar PV system and provides online access to the data so that the school can review its solar power generation and in many cases also its associated electricity consumption. This data can be linked to an used in the curriculum of the School."

• Joju Solar "Solar panels for schools are a Joju Solar speciality.  Over the last decade, we have installed more than 150 solar schools – more than anyone else in the country.  With our help, many schools have turned their roofs into a source of new income, and a fresh new educational resource for students and parents.  It’s some of the most rewarding work that we do.
  
  We’ve been the installation partner of choice for major UK solar schools programmes – the Schools’ Energy Coop, 10:10 Solar Schools, Friends of the Earth ‘Run on Sun’, Wey Valley Solar Schools, the Low Carbon Hub and Egni Coop.  Many of these schemes come financed by the local community, so the installation doesn’t cost the school a penny."

• OVESCO "has been developing community-owned renewable energy installations with schools for 10 years.  We have worked with local schools including Priory School, Lewes; Ringmer Community College; Wallands School, Lewes and Chailey School.  Our aim is to use our experience to support schools across Sussex to become solar power producers, reduce carbon emissions and provide a platform for educating pupils, parents and the community about climate change.
  The Sunny Solar Schools project delivers clean electricity to schools in East Sussex.  Schools in our portfolio  get their daytime electricity at a reduced price for 25 years, and television screens with educational material on them about solar energy."

• Solar for Schools "helps schools decarbonise with solar energy. Directly or through partners, we fund, design, install and operate solar panels on school's roofs.
  Furthermore, we use the solar panels installed on your roof as an educational instrument. Our online modules and experimental kits range from physics and engineering classes for high school students to energy and sustainability materials for kids and pupils in elementary and kindergarten."

New York

• K-Solar Program "The K-Solar Program through NYSERDA empowers schools to procure affordable solar energy without impacting school district budgets. Governor Cuomo initiated this joint program of NYPA, NYSERDA, the Governor’s Energy Office, and the NYS Education Department, and it has become a national model for school solarization.
  
  This historic school energy program—the largest multi-agency solar buying consortium project in the United States—inspires the next generation of energy leaders and helps schools statewide to save money and lower their carbon footprints. School districts in 59 of New York State’s 62 counties (more than ⅓ of the schools in the state) have joined the K-Solar Program."

Pennsylvania

• Generation180: Solar for Schools "We provide the tools you need to go solar. Get a free solar feasibility assessment from our partner EnergySage. Meet our Clean Energy School Leader Network and learn from the leaders who can share their first-hand experience. ..."
  "is providing additional resources and support for schools to go solar in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Learn more about the progress being made in these key states and how you can get involved."
  "Use our Solar Schools Campaign Toolkit as a step-by-step guide for advocating for solar at your school/district. Once you have buy-in to go solar, use our How-to Guide for the solar development process, including an introduction to solar financing for schools."

South Carolina

• The Green Power Solar Schools initiative "is designed to encourage interest in the environment and demonstrate the feasibility and limitations of renewable power generation. Each Green Power Solar School receives a 2-kilowatt solar power system, which will provide a teaching, research and hands-on demonstration opportunity for students. The project uses a new renewable energy curriculum designed especially for the program that meets state science standards. Each school program is supplemented by an Internet-based monitoring system that provides real-time access to information on the system’s performance as well as other solar schools in South Carolina."

Texas

• Resources to Go Solar "The following resources offer guidance for schools on the steps to going solar and potential financing methods."

• Solarize Garland "is an grass roots volunteer organization of Garland citizens whose purpose is to increase awareness and use of solar energy for electricity generation in Garland."

Virginia

• Generation180: Solar for Schools "We provide the tools you need to go solar. Get a free solar feasibility assessment from our partner EnergySage. Meet our Clean Energy School Leader Network and learn from the leaders who can share their first-hand experience. ..."
  "is providing additional resources and support for schools to go solar in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Learn more about the progress being made in these key states and how you can get involved."
  "Use our Solar Schools Campaign Toolkit as a step-by-step guide for advocating for solar at your school/district. Once you have buy-in to go solar, use our How-to Guide for the solar development process, including an introduction to solar financing for schools."

Wisconsin

• Wisconsin's K-12 Energy Education Program "fosters communication among schools with renewable energy systems and those interested in pursuing renewable energy projects in their schools. KEEP also provides curriculum and on-demand professional development (Spring 2021) for educators wishing to incorporate renewable energy concepts in the classroom. 
  
  For students, educators, school boards and other stakelholders interested in planning for renewable energy installation for a school building, explore Renewable Energy Resources for Wisconsin K-12 schools."

Oceana

South America

Brazil

• Solar Community Hubs "Built from converted shipping containers, these computer hubs are solar-powered, which means they are self-sufficient and can be placed just about anywhere. With the help of our local partners, Solar Community Hubs provide an opportunity for young learners to benefit directly from the expertise of in-country trainers and gain first-hand experience with technology and the Internet.
  
  With the help of our technology partner, Dell Technologies, we’ve opened 25 labs in 7 countries. We’re inviting people and businesses who share our mission to join us in funding these labs—find out below how you can help sponsor a hub today!"

Colombia

• Solar Community Hubs "Built from converted shipping containers, these computer hubs are solar-powered, which means they are self-sufficient and can be placed just about anywhere. With the help of our local partners, Solar Community Hubs provide an opportunity for young learners to benefit directly from the expertise of in-country trainers and gain first-hand experience with technology and the Internet.
  
  With the help of our technology partner, Dell Technologies, we’ve opened 25 labs in 7 countries. We’re inviting people and businesses who share our mission to join us in funding these labs—find out below how you can help sponsor a hub today!"

Career Education

International

• Barefoot College International "International forges a first-of-its-kind, women-centered, global network dedicated to sustainable development for marginalised rural communities in over 90 countries." Their programs include teaching illiterate and uneducated women to install solar systems for their villages, building rain capture systems for schools, as well as sanitation programs including educational and physical elements.

North America

USA

Texas

• Imagine Solar offers online training for solar installation, hands-on training at their solar lab, and a advanced 5 day solar workshop.

International

The items in this section are ideas rather than specific organizations which are listed by continent and country below, or in the standard Grant page.

Possible ran a Solar Schools campaign from 2011-2016 that taught schools about solar panels, provided them with a crowd-funding page, and helped schools across the UK and it's islands to raise enough money to save "38,940 baby elephants worth of carbon"!

Solar Financing Options for Schools, Cities, and Towns

Solar Curriculum & Class Plans

Europe

UK

• Engynious Solar for Schools Programme "has installed solar PV systems at nearly 50 schools in the UK, all of which have received a free solar PV system linked to a programme that brings them environmental, economic and social gains.
  Engynious provides clean renewable power to the participating schools at low cost where it is needed without any financial burden associated with on-going maintenance and generation for these schools in a sustainable programme.
  As the long term investor, Engynious maintains and monitors each solar PV system and provides online access to the data so that the school can review its solar power generation and in many cases also its associated electricity consumption. This data can be linked to an used in the curriculum of the School."

North America

USA

• NEED Signature Programs "include programs for schools complete with solar and wind installations and education programs, as well as engaging grant-making programs for teachers and schools to apply for grants for energy activities at their schools. Other programs are specifically designed for local communities and these sections of our website are set aside for participants in those programs to access all of the curriculum and training resources designed for the program. Have a program you’d like NEED to partner on? Let us know!"

• Solar In the Schools (SIS) "teaches about the different types of renewable energy, basic electricity, and solar photovoltaics using online curriculum and in-person experiential learning for K-12. Our goal is to encourage youth to develop a deeper consideration of the systems that deliver us power, and to compel teachers to skillfully incorporate renewable energy into their lessons."

South Carolina

• The Green Power Solar Schools initiative "is designed to encourage interest in the environment and demonstrate the feasibility and limitations of renewable power generation. Each Green Power Solar School receives a 2-kilowatt solar power system, which will provide a teaching, research and hands-on demonstration opportunity for students. The project uses a new renewable energy curriculum designed especially for the program that meets state science standards. Each school program is supplemented by an Internet-based monitoring system that provides real-time access to information on the system’s performance as well as other solar schools in South Carolina."

Wisconsin

• Wisconsin's K-12 Energy Education Program "fosters communication among schools with renewable energy systems and those interested in pursuing renewable energy projects in their schools. KEEP also provides curriculum and on-demand professional development (Spring 2021) for educators wishing to incorporate renewable energy concepts in the classroom. 
  
  For students, educators, school boards and other stakelholders interested in planning for renewable energy installation for a school building, explore Renewable Energy Resources for Wisconsin K-12 schools."

Oceana

Australia

• Solar Schools Program "The Solar Schools program is designed by experts in environmental education, sustainability and the Australian Curriculum. Discover in detail what you'll receive in each educational resource."

South Australia

• Solar Schools "ZEN is the exclusive provider of the leading Solar Schools program to young South Australians.
  The Solar Schools program is an Australian curriculum-aligned, bold, and innovative education platform engaging students in STEM-focused learning, using real data from their school’s solar installation and grid consumption.
  “The exclusive partnership with Solar Schools means that ZEN Energy can continue to deliver quality solar and battery installations to our school communities while enabling South Australian students to truly engage in their school’s sustainability journey, learning with real-time data. It’s like one big, exciting science experiment!”

Maps

North America

USA

• Mapping The Solar Movement (interactive) "Interested in finding a school with solar near you? Want to know how your state ranks for solar adoption by schools? Check out the interactive map from our recent report."

• Map: Solar Schools Across the United States Click the box in the top left corner to switch between capavity and number of Solar Schools per state. "There are now 7,332 K-12 schools using solar power nationwide, making up 5.5% of all K-12 public and private schools in the United States."