Cliff Valley School covered its gymnasium roof with solar panels in August, completing the largest solar project undertaken by an Atlanta area school. With a capacity of 62.56 kW, the school expects to meet up to one third of its energy needs via solar power by the end of 2017.
“Why don’t we have solar cells?” 7th graders asked during a science unit on energy. Teachers helped them link with Southface and Solarize Decatur-DeKalb to make the case for adding solar panels. It was fall 2016, and when analysis showed a positive return on investment in just a few years the school’s administration acted quickly. “Cliff Valley continues to lead by showing its peers that solar has benefits beyond lowering long-term operating expenses,” said Shan Arora, Southface Policy Program Manager. “Solar energy reduces our impact on the environment, enhances our local economy and provides students with continuing opportunities to engage in science.” The board of trustees funded the project within a few months, and Hannah Solar began installation in July.
“We’re proud to be among the first schools to make a substantial investment in sustainable energy,” commented Head of School Michael Edwards. “We have history of leadership when it comes to environmental education, and our facilities reflect that in many ways.”
Don Moreland, Solar Crowdsource Founder, weighed in: “The story of how solar came to be at Cliff Valley is amazing. Beginning with the curiosity of a few students to the decisive leadership of school administrators, we hope this story will inspire other schools to do the same.”
SOURCE: Cliff Valley School
