NC GreenPower launches pilot to install Solar PV on North Carolina K-12 schools

April 1, 2015

RALEIGH, NC – Following a two-year strategic planning process, NC GreenPower is pleased to announce the launch of a pilot program to provide matching grants for the installation of solar PV at schools, providing clean, green renewable energy in North Carolina. The application is available as of April 1, 2015 and submissions will be due June 1, 2015.

Any school representative wishing to apply for the NC GreenPower Solar School grant should visit https://ncgp.wpengine.com/solar-schools-pilot/ for more information and to download an application. Submissions will be due by 5:00 pm EDST on Monday, June 1, 2015.

The NC GreenPower Solar Schools pilot will provide matching funds to North Carolina K-12 schools who cannot afford solar technology, giving teachers valuable tools to educate students about renewable energy. NC GreenPower will divert a portion of its current donations to fund small (2-3 kW) solar PV installations at local schools. In its first year, the pilot program expects to be able to supply at least three and potentially as many as five schools with solar PV systems.

Any K-12 school in North Carolina may apply, though special emphasis will be made to target Tier 1 counties with the most need. Schools will be eligible for a 50% matching grant, up to $10,000, and NC GreenPower will assist the school with raising the balance of funds required. As part of the pilot, NC GreenPower will also provide real-time monitoring equipment and develop curriculum and lesson plans for educators to use across a variety of subjects, providing a hands-on experience for their students. NC GreenPower Vice President Vicky McCann says, “Our goal is to provide teachers and students with a really fantastic educational tool.”

The pilot will utilize the NC GreenPower fundraising website, my.NCGreenPower.org. My NC GreenPower is an online community for advocates of a cleaner, greener environment in North Carolina to join together for fundraising. Individuals and groups can create a profile page and launch campaigns, raising money to fund renewable energy and carbon offset generators across our state. Generators for the program can set up profiles with photos of their project and also help raise donations for NC GreenPower.

For more information regarding updates about the pilot, how to apply and future notifications about schools who are awarded grants, visit their website here: https://ncgp.wpengine.com/solar-schools-pilot-sign-up-for-email-updates/

To support NC GreenPower and their new pilot, donations can be made for as little as $4 a month. More information on the program can be found under their NCUC Docket E-100 Sub 90.

About NC GreenPower

Launched in 2003, NC GreenPower is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that administers the voluntary program on behalf of all utilities in North Carolina. NC GreenPower helps to connect consumers with green energy and carbon offset providers to create positive environmental and economic impacts for our state. All renewable energy and carbon offset generators supported by the program are located in North Carolina. Contributions to the program are tax-deductible.

For more information, visit: www.ncgreenpower.org