NC Solar+ Schools Served by Co-ops Grow in 2021

South Stanly High School, served by Pee Dee Electric, recently completed its Solar+ Schools array.

Fifteen K-12 schools across North Carolina have been awarded funds through NC GreenPower’s Solar+ Schools grant program for 2021. Each grant will go toward a solar education package that includes a 5-kW solar array.

Two of this year’s schools are located in Dare and Duplin counties, served by Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative and Four County EMC, respectively. Seven other schools served by electric co-ops have participated since the program began in 2015, including two 2020 recipients that completed construction this summer, served by Pee Dee Electric and Union Power Cooperative.

“This year’s response to our Solar+ Schools program was fantastic, especially given the many challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said Vicky McCann, vice president of NC GreenPower. “We are so excited to work in six new counties, with schools from the central and far western parts of our state, as well as one on the Outer Banks.”

In addition to SunPower solar modules, each Solar+ Schools package includes a STEM curriculum, teacher training, environmental sensors, and solar data monitoring. Each school participating in the program has until September 30, 2021, to raise a portion of the funds required.

“We look forward to helping educate younger generations about energy with these solar installations,” McCann said. “By the end of next year, we will have reached more than 41,600 students across North Carolina.” The Raleigh-based NC GreenPower is administered by Advanced Energy, a nonprofit that focuses on energy efficiency for residential, commercial, and industrial markets, and electric transportation.