Santee Cooper partnered with York Electric Cooperative to install a 2-kilowatt solar power system in Springfield Middle School as part of the utility’s Green Power Solar Schools program. The Green Power Solar Schools initiative is designed to encourage interest in electricity, and demonstrate the feasibility and limitations of renewable power generation. The solar photovoltaic power system provides a teaching, research and hands-on demonstration opportunity for the students there. A focus of the project is the use of a new renewable energy curriculum that meets the South Carolina state science standards, which makes this a unique dynamic learning opportunity.
This installation is one of 19 similar systems being installed at middle schools across South Carolina by Santee Cooper and The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina. Using Internet-based monitoring, students will be able to compare the energy performance at this site to the output of other sites. The solar equipment was purchased with funds from Santee Cooper Green Power subscribers, fulfilling a promise to use 100% of the proceeds for new renewable energy projects.
Clover Middle School will become our second local Green Power Solar School in 2013, joining Springfield Middle School. Statewide, Green Power purchases have helped fund almost two dozen Solar Schools in cooperative-served areas.
Like Springfield, Clover Middle will receive a two-kilowatt solar power system that will provide hands-on learning opportunities. Students will study a special renewable energy curriculum that meets S.C. science standards. These dynamic lessons empower our youth and energize our future.
Solar Power FAQ
Not at all. The sun’s energy is a great, clean resource which we should utilize.
Yes! If your subscription produces more energy than your home consumes in one month, you will see a credit on your account, regardless of the amount.
Every year the cost of solar energy systems decreases. Even with these decreases, the cost justification is heavily dependent upon government tax credits. Presently payback ranges between 9 and 12 years, but this could change drastically if incentives were to increase or decrease.
Related Links:
Green Power Solar Schools
Find a South Carolina Solar Installer
South Carolina Solar Council