A team of teachers at Western Union Elementary applied for, and recently won, a matching grant from N.C. GreenPower Solar+ Schools. As one of only 10 North Carolina schools to receive this opportunity, Western Union Elementary will receive a 3.0-5.22 kW educational solar installation plus a weather station, real-time data monitoring, a STEM curriculum, and teacher training.

Grant funding for this project was provided, in part, by N.C. GreenPower, a non-profit founded in 2003 whose mission is to expand public knowledge and acceptance of cleaner energy technologies to all North Carolinians through local, community-based initiatives. And since 2015, N.C. GreenPower has installed solar PV systems at K-12 schools across the state, providing teachers and students with valuable environmental educational tools.

“It’s going to enrich the curriculum,” said Western Union Elementary Principal Kristi Williford in an interview with Union County Public Schools. “It’s going to engage kids because, even within Union County, there are a lot of solar panel farms coming. So, just being able to give them that knowledge of what it can do for you, when it’s useful, and when it’s not useful.”

Because it’s a matching grant, each school was responsible for raising the remaining portion of the funds required.

Interested in applying for a grant?

N.C. GreenPower is now accepting applications for the N.C. GreenPower Solar+ Schools grant program for 2021 through February 28. Any K-12 school in North Carolina may apply for a 50% matching grant up to $10,000, and N.C. GreenPower will provide online tools to assist with raising the remaining funds. To apply, visit ncgreenpower.org.