Augusta County Schools
A curriculum that evolves with the sun in Augusta
Having solar panels on campus has helped Augusta County’s schools integrate clean energy into their curricula. Students participated in the 10-week Throwing Solar Shade® program under the direction of Dr. Jeremy Hoffman, chief scientist at the Science Museum of Virginia. Students chose their topics and conducted their own research on the subject of the heat-island effect. Three ACPS students presented their findings at the Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon in December 2020.
Producing its own solar power on site will also help the school division save more than $12 million in energy over the next 20 years, with no upfront capital cost. Under a power purchase agreement, Secure Solar Futures installed the panels on the school campuses but will continue to own and operate the solar systems, selling all the power to the schools at a cost lower than utility power.
LIVE ENERGY MONITORING
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The Challenge
Go green in a meaningful way and integrate clean energy into the curriculum.
The Result
3.7 MW of solar power installed at six campuses will save $12 million. Interactive STEM learning program energizes high school students.