Solar for Schools
Data is currently being recorded at three schools in Salt Lake City School District:
SLCSE High School
Hillside Middle School
Glendale Middle School
Solar for Schools is a statewide energy education initiative that will install 73 solar photovoltaic arrays at schools throughout the state, with at least one array in each of the state’s 41 districts. The program was also created to help Utah students learn the value of renewable energy technology first hand. The energy education program is slated to be the first of its kind in the state of Utah.
Solar for Schools provides the scholastic resources for Utah students to learn about renewable energy technologies through interactive projects. Students will have the ability to track live data from the solar installations, compare the data across schools throughout the state, and measure the effects of temperature and location of the energy output. The program also includes a comprehensive K-12 curriculum and teacher training on the benefits of using energy generated by the sun.
“Solar technology is one of the best sources of renewable energy in Utah and is at the forefront of the national energy mix. With Solar for Schools, the state will be able to produce clean energy while providing students with the opportunity to learn about these technologies,” said Elise Brown, renewable energy coordinator, Utah State Energy Program. “The program is an investment in energy education, the community and in securing our energy independence.”
The total installation of the 73 arrays is expected to remove more than 8,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over 20 years, equivalent to the carbon offset that would be generated by planting 11,000 trees and letting them grow for ten years.