School Support: Solar Schools

(Photo/Jan Boutilier)

Solar Schools Program

Solar power demonstration system grants are awarded to the districts of a limited number of educational institutions following a proposal process. The grants fund small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays at the schools as well as Web-based data monitoring and classroom curriculum focusing on renewable energy. From 2004 through 2009, the program funded thirteen PV school projects around Puget Sound.

The mission of the Solar Schools Program has several components:

• Educational benefit: The project should demonstrate renewable energy generating technology and increase consumer understanding, acceptance and demand for renewable energy resources.
• Geographic diversity: The project should represent a region within PSE’s service area. (Proximity to an existing demonstration project funded by PSE will be a moderate deterrent in the selection criteria)
• Community based: The project should provide extrinsic or promotional benefits for the community at large or for a community or tax supported organization.

Future Solar School Program Requests for Proposals

Stay tuned for details of the next round of applications for solar and wind power generation demonstration systems grant awards in 2010. Requests for proposals will typically open in December or January and be due in mid February with awards being announced Mid March.

Contact:

Micah Haman
Customer Renewables Program
Puget Sound Energy
425-456-2992
micah.haman@pse.com