“Missouri Schools Going Solar” helps K-12 schools to install solar power systems
“Missouri Schools Going Solar (MSGS)” supported by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center, exists to educate students, teachers and communities about the importance of electricity as an energy form, the value of renewable solar energy in meeting current and future energy needs, and solar energy technologies. This project serves K-12 schools that have an interest in solar electric energy and the initiative to create a partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center, local electric utility and the local community to install a solar array.
The solar arrays offer a great opportunity for students, parents, teachers, governments, utilities and whole communities to increase their awareness and familiarity with solar electric energy technologies that are successfully in use throughout the world.
Benefits:
Schools chosen to participate in MSGS will benefit from a two-part program for energy education:
Photovoltaic Hardware:
Part one includes the hardware and technical assistance to install a 1-kW interconnected photovoltaic array on school grounds. This array will generate a small amount of electricity but has the potential to generate lots of community and school interest, enthusiasm and understanding about clean, renewable solar electric energy. The standard MSGS package system will include a 1-kW pole-mounted array. The estimated cost of the hardware with installation is $13,500 and will provided by the Energy Center. Awarded schools may choose to “upgrade” the system to a larger or different type of array but will be responsible for any costs above a standard MSGS package.
Missouri Schools Going Solar will provide a free training session on proper operation and maintenance of the photovoltaic hardware. Maintenance will be minimal but this mandatory training for facility and maintenance management will ensure that the school understands how to maintain its new equipment.
Contact: Pat Justis, Department of Natural Resources, St. Louis Regional Office,
7545 S. Lindbergh Blvd., Suite 210, St. Louis, MO 63125