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Solar Schools Appeal to Third Act Members in Virginia

By Tom Beach

Like seemingly everything in today’s fractious world, renewable energy has become political.  While there are reasonable arguments against massive solar arrays strewn across pristine wilderness and productive farmland, there are plenty of ways to minimize such impacts.  One of them is through distributed energy generation — specifically, mid-sized solar arrays on top of eligible and existing structures in any community.  Schools are an obvious opportunity, and many Virginia school districts are already enjoying the benefits of cheap and reliable rooftop energy.

We’d like to maximize those benefits — and even add a few more — through the Third Act Richmond solar schools project.  Modeled on similar programs developed by Citizens Climate Lobby and the Climate Reality Project, our program enlists high school students to design their own systems for their own school.  This is not just an environmental program.  It’s educational.  And it’s not just educational in STEM skills (though that’s a major benefit).  The Solar Schools project helps develop skills in graphic design, 3D animation, civic engagement and writing.  Participating students investigate all of the parameters needed to specify a rooftop array for their school, then create a 3D model of the building and its solar components, write up the plan in an illustrated proposal, and present it with a resolution to their school board.

Board members then get to evaluate its feasibility, arrange for financing, and eventually sign a contract with the solar installer of their choice.  (Through power purchase agreements, these systems can often be installed for free!)  How does this avoid political complications?  By forgetting about politics altogether, and focusing on future generations, saving money for cash-strapped school districts, and creating a permanent showpiece of student achievement for the world to see.  (Note that if the school rooftop is unsuitable for solar, the design could focus on the middle or elementary school down the street, or even the administration building or a local business interested in supporting students and community.)

There’s one problem, though.  The program needs to be managed by teachers, and teachers already face an overwhelming set of challenges and constraints.  Our lesson plans, instructional materials and online resources can partially offset those burdens, but teachers need a clear understanding of what they’re getting into.

Here’s where you can help.  You can connect us with teachers.  Do you have children in school?  Do you know teachers or school administrators in your neighborhood or church?  Are you a teacher yourself?  We’re hoping to use the expanding network of Third Act volunteers to reach into high schools across the state and identify teachers who might be interested.  We’re asking them to meet with us at their school for a brief discussion and presentation about the project.  We can talk over their unique circumstances and explore ways to make this a workable program.  With one school year winding down and a whole summer for preparation, our hope is to kick off as many of these programs as we can for the fall semester.

Please let us know if this is something you might be able to help with.  We’re happy to answer questions and provide more detail. Contact Tom Beach at: tbeach2k@gmail.com if you have questions or know of any teachers that might be able to help. 

This picture shows Thomas Jefferson High School with a large flat roof that may be suitable for solar panels
This 3D model of Open High School in Richmond illustrates a virtual solar array and some of its components as it might look.
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