There are moments in life when things come full circle, creating a sense of fulfillment and connection. Imagine the joy of telling your favorite teacher how they influenced your life, sparking a passion that led you to where you are today. These moments are special, and they remind us of the lasting impact of education and community.
Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) in Virginia is embarking on an exciting journey with its solar projects, aiming to enhance sustainability and education. In partnership with Madison Energy Infrastructure, ACPS will be installing solar panels across ten schools, with a total solar capacity of 4.9 MW. These projects are expected to offset 71,505 tons of carbon dioxide and save $35,000 in the first year alone, with projected savings of $8.3 million over 25 years. In addition to the environmental and financial benefits, the solar partnership represents a unique educational opportunity for students to learn about renewable energy.
What makes this partnership extra special is the involvement of ACPS alumni on the Madison project team. Many key members of the project team working directly on the solar projects are former students who still live and work in the community.
On Monday, teachers previewed the Solar Empowered Schools resources accessible through Madison. In a professional development workshop led by a former teacher and three graduates, Madison demonstrated activities such as the Solar Switch Challenge, where students will build solar circuits and engage in real-time problem-solving. This experiential learning approach aligns with ACPS’s emphasis on inquiry-based, hands-on, and standards-aligned activities – and will help students understand the science behind solar energy and its practical applications.
Lars Holstrum, a middle and high school teacher, emphasized the importance of energy education: “Students need to learn about energy consumption and production simply to take responsibility for our tremendous energy use in the 21st century (as well as the environmental and social costs). I’m grateful to Madison and ACPS for partnering, and for sharing their learning!” Melissa Thackston, a middle school science teacher, remarked, “Having a school dashboard makes the data so much more meaningful. We can look out the window and monitor how weather impacts energy.”
The solar projects at ACPS are a testament to the positive impact of renewable energy on both the environment and education. By reducing carbon emissions and saving on energy costs, these projects contribute to a sustainable future. Moreover, they provide valuable learning experiences for students, fostering a deeper understanding of renewable energy. The partnership with Madison Energy Infrastructure, enriched by the involvement of local alumni, highlights the strength of community connections and the enduring influence of education.
