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Today schools are hosting photovoltaic (PV) systems that will become commonplace tomorrow in public buildings, homes, and businesses. Bringing solar energy to schools is an important step to increasing the use of solar energy in the community. Projects at public schools are community investments that are highly visible and closely followed.

PV energy systems can't be justified based on their economics. PV is costly when compared to conventional means of power generation such as coal and nuclear. PV is justified based on its educational impacts on the student body and community.

PV is very different from coal and nuclear power plants. In some sense PV is magical. PV systems operate quietly producing electricity – without a sound or moving part. Its cost is falling. Its efficiency is increasing. Many feel PV will be an important component of our future power generation infrastructure – and it will be part of buildings’ roofs, facades and windows.

Schools are excellent showcases for the benefits of PV, (as well as solar thermal energy, passive solar, and day lighting). Solar energy is currently used in schools for not only electricity generation but also lighting (known as daylighting), and water and space heating.

Photo 1. PV as an education resource.

Schools are also an ideal place to use solar energy. The energy demand in school buildings is significant and concentrated during the daytime, when the energy from the sun can be used to maximum benefit. More importantly, however, PV systems on schools allow students to gain firsthand understanding of the benefits of PV, often as a formal addition to science classes. Curriculum is available to support these activities.

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Photo 1 Utility Photovoltaic Group (UPVG), USA, photographer Bob Gibson

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