Dominon expanding ‘Solar for Schools’ program

Published March 16, 2017 by Veronica Garabelli

As Dominion continues to expand its solar power infrastructure in Virginia,  the company said it is increasing the number of sites for its Solar for Schools program. Sponsored by the Dominion Foundation, the program  allows K-12 students the opportunity to generate electricity from a solar array installed on school grounds.

The foundation is seeking applications until April 28 from K-12 public schools or museums with STEM (science/technology/engineering/math) programming in areas served by Dominion Virginia Power. It will select six organizations to receive a 1.2 kilowatt photovoltaic system that converts sunlight into electric power.

During the 2015-16 school year, four schools participated in the pilot program. Each solar array will generate enough electricity to power 18 desktop computers.

Dominion is collaborating with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project for the program. NEED will provide technical support, install the panels, prepare educational materials and train teachers.  Recipients will be announced in September. For more information or to apply, visit www.dom.com/solarschools.

The expansion of Solar for Schools occurs as Dominion's solar investment in Virginia approaches $1 billion. The company has a dozen solar projects under construction, enough to power 100,000 homes.