Energy Center Missouri Schools Going Solar

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Missouri Schools Going Solar

Picture of solar panels used at a school.

The Missouri Energy Center has worked with Ameren UE and Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) to bring solar power and education to K-12 schools. This program provided solar array equipment and energy education to the schools so that students, staff, and the whole community can explore the subject of energy.

The Energy Center is no longer accepting applications for new schools. Picture circuits used at a school.

You may follow the links below to learn about the project.

Recent Updates
Purpose
Benefits
Cost Sharing
Awards
Selection Criteria
Action Plan
Agreements
Connection Agreement

Contact:
Bob Painter
816-759-7313 x 2263
(e-mail Bob Painter)

Recent Updates

The Energy Center is no longer accepting applications for new schools.

Purpose
Missouri Schools Going Solar (MSGS) was created 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 with an interest in solar electric energy and the initiative to create a partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Center, the local electric utility, and their local community to accomplish a solar array installation. The interconnected 1 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic array bears a small amount of electrical load for a school building. While the arrays generate some electricity, the program offers an even greater opportunity for students, parents, teachers, government agencies, utilities, and communities to increase their awareness and familiarity with solar electric energy technologies that are successfully in use throughout the world. The Energy Center manages the project on behalf of partnerships with AmerenUE and with Kansas City Power and Light, each of which provided funding for this program within their respective territories.

Benefits
Schools chosen to participate in MSGS benefit from a two-part program for energy education:

Photovoltaic Hardware:
Part one includes the installation of a 1-kW interconnected photovoltaic array on school grounds. This array generates 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 includes a 1-kW pole-mounted array. The estimated cost of the hardware with installation is $21,500, procured by the Energy Center. Awarded schools may choose to "upgrade" the system to a larger or different type of array but are responsible for any costs above a standard MSGS package. Applicants cash match of $2,500 is used for the educational component, described below.

Missouri Schools Going Solar provided a free training session on proper operation and maintenance of the photovoltaic hardware. Maintenance is minimal but this training for facility and maintenance management ensures that the school understands how to maintain its new equipment.

Energy Education:
Part two is an energy education program providing grade-appropriate interdisciplinary curricular materials and teacher training that is consistent with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards.

This educational component targets the school's existing math and/or science curriculum to provide additional supplemental material and instruction about energy forms and sources with special emphasis on photovoltaic technology. Coupled with the solar array installation, this has been an effective method for energy education in other states that have offered this type of program. The education programs vary somewhat depending on which utility provides power to the school. Applicants cash match of $2,500 is used for the educational component described above.

In the AmerenUE electric territory, the Earthways Center works with the schools and provides direct training to teachers and co-teach students in the subject of energy efficiency and renewable energy. A half-day teacher training for up to 20 teachers per school equips teachers with sufficient knowledge to incorporate the supplemental curricular materials and activities into the classroom. The student education goal of MSGS is to educate as many students as possible to become "solar ambassadors" in their community and enable them to explain energy issues and photovoltaic technology. The schoolchooses the option that will help it best meet this goal.

In the KCP&L electric territory, schools are required to commit to a similar education program but the schools are responsible to procure the appropriate educational resources to meet those goals. The $2,500 match provided by the school is used for this purpose. Missouri Schools Going Solar will with each school to create an energy education program that will benefit the school.

Cost Sharing
In addition to the cash match of $2,500, schools provide at least two personal computers (not Apple) for data capture and viewing. One of these computers is dedicated only to the MSGS program.

Awards
Missouri Schools Going Solar awarded 17 schools with photovoltaic arrays.

Selection Criteria
The selection process identified schools capable of successfully implementing both parts of this energy education program: energy education in the classroom and installation of a 1-kW interconnected photovoltaic array. Proper implementation of a Missouri Schools Going Solar program takes significant dedication and time. Awards were distributed on the basis of an equitable and objective selection process that included the following general criteria:

Likelihood of success as detailed in responses to the application and required action plan;
Geographic location and population density (awards will be distributed to reflect the diverse community types within AmerenUE and KCPandL Missouri electric territories);
Economic status of students in the district;
Results of site inspection (proposed array location value in generating public awareness).

Action Plan
To ensure that MSGS is an ongoing part of school activities, each school must integrate into existing curricula and school programs the MSGS energy education teacher training and curriculum supplements. A written action plan explains how the school involves students, faculty and staff, promotes the photovoltaic array installation to the community and interacts with the broader community concerning energy issues. Applicants demonstrate that their approach involves teachers, students and administrators committed to making the installation one of its cornerstone learning experiences. Some applicants form "solar partnerships" with local business, government, higher education or other partners to maximize the impact of the MSGS project.

Each school’s action plan includes the following elements:

Identify a specific staff member who has been designated "solar program coordinator." Cite qualifications of this staff member to serve as coordinator and specific steps the coordinator will take to maximize the impact of the MSGS project. Describe the coordinator's ability to work with administration, facilities personnel, teachers, and the community at-large.
Describe how the school has recruited a team of teachers committed to the program and how the solar program coordinator works with them, once they are trained, to achieve MSGS goals.
Describe how the school partners with the local community, local media and institutions, and local businesses to build awareness of the photovoltaic array and energy issues in general.
Describe a community open house or other public event held within six months of installation so that the general community can learn how the photovoltaic array functions.
Describe any related solar or energy education activities currently used or planned in the school.
Identify who is responsible for care and maintenance of the photovoltaic hardware and why this person(s) is the appropriate choice.
Identify who oversees the installation of the photovoltaic hardware and why this person(s) is the appropriate choice.

Agreements
Applicants submitted signed agreements at the time of application. Public schools signed agreements with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources while private schools signed an agreement with their respective utility. The MSGS signed agreement includes requirements for funding, maintenance, education, and insurance.

Connection Agreement
Applicants submitted a signed copy of the appropriate connection agreement at the time of application. Utilities require a "connection agreement" whenever distributed generation (such as a photovoltaic array) makes connection to the utility electric grid.

Contacts
For questions about Missouri Schools Going Solar, please contact:

Bob Painter
816-759-7313 x 2263
(e-mail Bob Painter)