On Saturday, October 18, about 45 adults and youth gathered at Norfolk Academy in the Hampton Roads area to consider Solar Schools: What’s Possible?
Sponsored by the new chapter of Third Act in Tidewater, the event drew about 45 participants including Third Act leaders and partners from Sierra Club, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, VA League of Conservation Voters, and Environment VA.
Among the attendees, a school board president and teachers came to learn how they could start a solar program in their school district.
“This was our target audience,” explained Nathan Goldin, Co-Facilitator for Tidewater Third Act. “I visited many school board meetings in the Hampton Roads area with information about the workshop and a School Solar Resolution to act on climate change. It was great to see one of those school boards attend.”
Hosted at Norfolk Academy, a historic private school in Norfolk, Dr. Robert Call told the audience that last year the school saved $80,000 in lower energy costs. He explained the potential for teaching science and the pride students feel with their school demonstrating a commitment to clean energy.
Virginia Beach Public School District described their program which has installed solar at seven schools and plans to equip 2-3 more schools this year.
“When a school roof needs to be replaced, we also install solar panels,” explained Trevor Vuono, Energy Manager. He showed the energy savings over time on graphs and demonstrated how a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) works for schools. VA Beach Public School District has saved $3.2M in energy costs to date.
Presenters included: Chad Wilkins, Owner of Convert Solar, VA Beach; Alden Cleanthes, Co-Founder, Norfolk Solar, LLC, Ruth Amundsen, Co-Founder, Norfolk Solar, LLC. Trevor McPhail-Vuono – VB SD Solar Program: Financing and Key Factors for Success, Matt McFadden – Commercial Financing and Asset Management, Dr. Robert Call – Educational Benefits of Installing Solar at Your School
The event was hosted at the Lower School at Norfolk Academy with tours to learn more about the installations. Three copies of Bill McKibben’s book, Here Comes the Sun. were raffled during the meeting.
Tidewater Third Act plans to follow up with attendees to make sure they have resources to move ahead with solar projects. Extensive resources are posted online at: https://walkearth.org/solar-schools-whats-possible/.