NYSERDA Press Releases

50 Schools to Receive Solar Energy Systems
Students Will Get First-Hand Experience with Energy Alternatives

Albany, NY– The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced today that 50 schools throughout the State were selected to receive funding for the installation of 2-kilowatt solar energy systems. The photovoltaic panels to be installed on the schools will generate a small percentage of power for the school's facilities while providing students at each school with first-hand experience with solar energy alternatives. In addition, schools will be provided with curricular materials to help teachers incorporate lessons about solar energy into the students' courses to expand the knowledge of renewable energy alternatives. The $1.8 million School Power....Naturally Program was offered to schools as part of NYSERDA's New York Energy $mart^SM Schools Program.

"New York State is leading by example when it comes to investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and clean-energy technologies," continued NYSERDA President William M. Flynn. "These investments are reducing the environmental impacts of our energy use and paving the way toward a more secure energy future by lessening our dependence on foreign sources of energy. By bringing renewable energy to our schools, the next generation of leaders in this State will have a greater awareness of the implications of our energy choices and the energy alternatives that are available to us."

NYSERDA's School Power...Naturally Program is providing each of the 50 schools with $18,000, or 90 percent of the cost to install the systems. Solar Works, Inc., a full-service renewable energy service firm specializing in photovoltaic installation projects, was selected through a competitive process by NYSERDA to administer the program. AMERESCO, an energy services company partnering with NYSERDA, will contribute $500 per installation, leaving each school's financial commitment at $1,500. The educational materials to support the program are being developed by the Research Foundation of the State University of New York. Heliotronics will provide data acquisition equipment and software to complement the educational materials.

"When Governor Pataki announced this program back in August, he noted that schools were a perfect environment for implementing renewable energy alternatives like solar power because this technology is an environmentally sound means to provide for our growing energy needs, and can demonstrate to our children that solar energy is a practical, responsible energy option," said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn. "This program is taking that a step further by providing curricular materials to the schools that will help students better understand how the systems work and how renewable energy can play a larger role in the future."

"Among the important values that public schools teach every day is conservation of our natural resources," said Timothy G. Kremer, executive director of the New York State School Boards Association. "Many students learn best by doing, and having a solar energy system in their own school will help them master valuable lessons in protecting the environment and lessening our nation's dependence on fossil fuels."

"I commend the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for providing school districts in New York State the opportunity to install, use, and own a new solar electric photovoltaic system. The South Colonie Central School District will receive one of the 50 units that were made available statewide. This PV system should not only reduce energy costs, but will also allow our students the opportunity to learn first-hand about renewable energy sources," said Dr. Thomas Brown, superintendent of schools for the South Colonie School District.

The 50 projects chosen were selected based on criteria that included a statewide geographical distribution mix, involving a mix of urban, suburban, and rural demographics. A large emphasis was placed on the action plan that was submitted by each entrant showing how the school proposed to incorporate the solar energy systems into educational planning and community outreach. For example, Highland Falls/Ft. Montgomery school in Orange County submitted an action plan that included coordinating with West Point to bring cadets and instructors to the school. The West Point cadets will use the system to study solar energy, while partnering with the students as mentors. At Williamsville Central School in Erie County, the system will be installed atop the school's Space Lab Planetarium. Last year, the planetarium attracted 18,000 students and community members who attended "star shows," and the school anticipates incorporating solar energy programs into future activities.
Schools that were not chosen to receive solar energy systems will still have the opportunity to participate in the School Power...Naturally Program. The curricular materials will be made available to all schools, and a "Solar Buddy" program will pair up school districts who received awards with other schools in order to exchange information and promote learning.

Eligible schools were limited to those contributing to the State's System Benefits Charge on the transmission and distribution of electricity throughout the State.

"I also want to remind schools that this outstanding program is just one of the ways we are helping schools meet their energy needs. Our $6 million Comprehensive Energy Strategies Program for schools will provide cost-shared technical assistance, analysis, advice and certified training to schools so they can identify energy savings through a variety of energy efficiency upgrades and aggregated purchasing options," added Flynn.

A complete list of schools selected for the Solar Energy Systems program is attached.