PG&E’s Solar Schools Program Kicks Off In Brentwood [2004.8.19]
For Some, Back to School Means Solar-Powered Classrooms and Projects

A new elementary school that taps into sunshine to power classrooms is getting a solar education curriculum and more than $160,000 in various rebates from PG&E.

the Unisolar solar laminates lie between the seams on the metal roof,
barely detectable, yet happily producing power.[photo: rahus]

Pioneer Elementary School in Brentwood is the first school to use PG&E’s Solar Schools program. The recently completed school dedicated its photovoltaic solar electric system on Thursday, August 19. PG&E President and CEO Gordon Smith spoke at the dedication ceremony.

“PG&E is pleased to partner with the Brentwood Union School District to help fund the photovoltaic solar electric system, energy efficiency improvements and the curriculum that will help bring solar energy to life for the students at Pioneer Elementary,” said Smith.

The Solar Science Curriculum

Pioneer Elementary School’s 42-kilowatt [dc] solar electric system will also serve as a working model for classroom instruction, thanks to a solar energy curriculum donation from PG&E’s Solar Schools Program. The specialized curriculum package is designed to teach state-required math and science lessons. This hands-on curriculum takes advantage of the on-site photovoltaic system, bringing the latest solar technology right into the classroom.

PG&E partnered with the Rahus Institute’s Solar Schoolhouse Program to develop the curriculum. The curriculum includes:

* Solar-powered class projects
* Solar lesson plans
* Hands-on equipment
* A Web-based system, enabling students, teachers, parents and administrators to view real-time data on how much power is being generated and how much is being used.

In addition to the curriculum, Rahus's Solar Schoolhouse Program provides workshops for teachers to become familiar with the subjects. A 5 day summer institute training was recently completed in June, where teachers built model solar homes, solar cars, solar cookers, standalone solar electric systems, and a solar fountain. .

Smith also presented $1,000 to Pioneer science teacher Andrea Long, who plans to teach her students about solar electricity through a solar-powered race car competition. This competition is just one of many projects included in PG&E’s Solar Science materials.

[photos by T. Allen - Rahus]

2004 Solar Schools

PG&E has committed to providing this program in 2004 to several schools in underserved communities throughout its service areas in central and northern California. Schools participating in the program may receive a donation and free installation of a new photovoltaic solar electric system, along with the specialized curriculum and training. .

Future PG&E Solar Schools Include:

* Montezuma Elementary, Stockton Unified School District
* Center for Advanced Research & Technology (CART), Fresno/Clovis School Districts
* Theuerkauf Elementary, Mountain View-Whisman School District.

School Receives More than $160,000 in Rebates

Pioneer Elementary School’s solar project is eligible for a $148,000 rebate from PG&E’s self-generation incentive program, which pays for up to half the cost of clean, on-site generation. PG&E is also awarding a $13,000 design incentive to Pioneer Elementary through the Savings by Design program. The new school is built to be 18 percent more energy-efficient than California energy codes require.

Photovoltaic System

Installed by Akeena Solar, the 42 kW (DC) system will save the elementary school $10,000 per year in electricity and will eliminate 21 tons of CO2 emissions each year. 15 inverters, from SMA-America, quietly convert the DC solar power to utility compatible AC power.

Sunny Boy inverters, from SMA-America, convert DC solar power to AC. [photo: rahus]

Design Considerations for Schools
"Schools present some of the most difficult design challenges. It is amazing how large rocks, debris and even skateboards can find their way onto school roofs," said Barry Cinnamon, President of Akeena Solar. "To resist this potential abuse, we selected UniSolar peel and stick flexible laminates for attachment on the school's newly installed standing seam metal roof."

The Pioneer Elementary School's system is composed of 330 UniSolar modules installed on four buildings at the school, 15 SunnyBoy inverters and a web-based performance monitoring system. Total DC output of the system is 42.4 kw, and total AC output is 37.5 kw. "We installed a network of redundant SunnyBoy inverters to maximize overall system reliability. That way, temporary failure of one inverter would not significantly affect the overall performance of the system," said Cinnamon.

Solar is a "Hat Trick" for California Schools
The budget crunch has made it difficult for California schools to obtain funds for operating costs, although bonds pay for capital and building funds. So by investing in a solar power system during construction - resulting in decreased electrical expenses - operating costs are reduced and the money saved can be used for books and teachers salaries. Brentwood School District's decision to use solar power makes good business sense, upfront and in the long run.

Moreover, students have the hands-on opportunity to see a solar power system in operation - learning about both the energy and environmental benefits. By including remote monitoring provisions, students can see how the system is performing at a moment's notice, from any web browser.

Pioneer's Principal, Dana Eaton says "The system is like an educational hat trick; it's a good science project for students to learn from, it makes financial sense and environmental sense, and it's a good example for students on making choices that positively impact the environment, now and in the future."