State and federal energy agencies have been expanding their financial and technical support for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on public buildings. Is it time for your school to consider this option?
As costs for PV systems have come down from astronomical to merely super expensive, modular packaged units have become available for small commercial facilities. Programs pushing demo installations are supported by money from both the DOE and state agencies. Some have focused on adding small PV systems (typically 1 to 10 kW) on school rooftops as part of an educational effort that involves students, teachers, and community agencies. To find a list of which states are doing what, go to: www-solar.mck.ncsu.edu/sgs/sgsindex.htm or www.schoolsgoingsolar.org.