10 NC schools to go solar with support from Duke Energy and GreenPower

rooftopsolarncgreenpower_mid

Duke Energy, through Raleigh-based nonprofit NC GreenPower, will invest $300,000 in solar PV systems for up to 10 schools in the state.

The program is part of a recent settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and environmental groups.

“North Carolina is a leader in solar installations and education,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “These installations will give students a chance to see solar power production firsthand – and provide an opportunity to learn about the attributes of this growing energy resource.”

Modeled after NC GreenPower’s Solar Schools program, this particular initiative will pay for 100 percent of the installation costs for rooftop or top-of-pole mounted systems on school property. The program also provides monitoring equipment, training and curriculum to students and teachers.

Schools must apply through NC GreenPower for consideration.

“NC GreenPower is excited to partner with Duke Energy to provide additional K-12 schools with this great educational package. We rely on donations to help our schools, so this collaboration enables us to further our reach, especially to those schools that could not otherwise afford the technology,” said Vicky McCann, NC GreenPower vice president.

Any K-12 North Carolina school served by Duke Energy Carolinas may apply. Consideration will be given to schools that have expressed past interest in solar or schools in economically challenged Tier 1 counties. NC GreenPower will use approved solar installation companies to manage the installation process for interested schools.

Schools must apply by Dec. 2, 2016. Recipients will be named by Feb. 13, 2017.

Rajani Baburajan

[email protected]