A competition that began a few days ago invites students to design imaginative entries, artwork, or film in order to illustrate why they want their school powered by solar energy. Friends of the Earth is sponsoring its first renewable energy project for primary schools that span England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The winning school will receive a solar installation free of charge. One part of this is creating a clean energy school, and the other part is that the school’s solar panels (once installed) will make the school thousands of pounds each year. The money will translate into more playgrounds, abundant library resources, and field trips. The winning school is chosen by the public.
Run on Sun is the solar crowdfunding campaign. The Economic Voice reports that Friends of the Earth’s Renewable Energy Campaigner Anna Watson said: “Solar panels are a win-win for schools and the environment – not to mention the kids. As well as slashing electricity bills, they’re a great example of clean energy in action and tackling climate change.
“Whether it’s your children’s school, local school, or your old school from years gone by – nominate them today for the chance to win free solar panels!”
In the US, we’ve reported that five schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District use high-efficiency SunPower solar power systems. The school district estimates that — based on its current utility rates — the solar energy generated by the systems will save the school district around $380,000 dollars annually in electricity costs.
New York has also just made changes within its system to support solar as well, launching K-Solar, part of the $1 billion NY-Sun Initiative, which will help schools in the state go solar. 40 school districts, home to ~200 schools, have registered for the program.
We’ve been covering solar schools, and even crowdfunding solar schools for years. Much of the pioneering work in this realm has happened in the UK. Check out some of the stories below for more.
Related Stories:
1. Yet Another Solar Schools Initiative Launches In The UK
2. Solar Schools’ First School Gets Solar Roof Funded.. 3 Months Early
3. Solar Schools Program Lights Up UK
4. Solar Schools Goes National (UK)
5. CBD Energy Targets Further Bond-Funded Solar Installations In UK
6. Bringing Solar To Schools Across The US
7. Mosaic Teams With D-Sun to Offer Investors the Chance to Help Put Solar on Colorado Charter School
8. Elementary School Students Crowdfund Their Own Solar-Powered Classroom
9. Solar Schools Can Help Educate Kids About Clean Energy (Video)
10. Solar Schools Create Learning, Saving Opportunities… Even in Great Britain
11. Solar Schools Help Education Children About Clean Energy
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