Surry County Schools celebrated the completion of its second 5 kW solar PV project at Rockford Elementary School as part of the NCGreenPower Solar Schools pilot program. The dedication ceremony on Thursday, October 26, 2023, was set on the lawn in front of the solar panel.
NC GreenPower launched the Solar Schools Pilot program on April 1, 2015 to provide matching grants for the installation of a solar PV array at schools, providing clean, green renewable energy in North Carolina. Over the years, all K-12 schools in the state have been encouraged to apply and the positive response received was an indication of strong interest in the program. Mr. Jeff Edwards, Surry County Schools Science Institute Coordinator, wrote the grant for Rockford Elementary, and the 5 kW solar PV project aligns with the science curriculum. It will provide students with a greater understanding of solar energy. The State Employees’ Credit Union, Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation, and the Surry County Schools Educational Foundation provided the matching funds and support services.
Piper Custodio, Rockford Elementary School Student Council President, explained why knowledge of solar energy systems is important. She said, “You know, when we turn on the lights, watch videos on the smart board, or charge our laptops in class, it all takes energy. This energy usually comes from burning things like coal and oil, and that's not good for our planet. It makes the air dirty, and that's bad for everyone. But guess what? Solar panels help us make energy from the sun that's clean and healthy for our planet! This solar array is like a superhero. It soaks up sunlight and turns it into electricity. But you know what's even cooler? It's not just about saving the Earth. It's also about learning. We can watch how this array works and see how the sun gives us energy. Our teachers can teach us all about solar power and learn new things every day.”
Other guest speakers included Mr. Dale Badgett, Board of Education Chairperson, Dr. Travis L. Reeves, superintendent; Mrs. Ashley Mills, SCS Educational Foundation Liaison; Grant Kennedy with the SECU Foundation; and Mr. Travis Bode with Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation.
The solar PV array with the monitoring equipment, weather station, and curriculum will serve as an educational tool in the classrooms. It will likely produce enough renewable energy to power the school’s main office. The solar PV system will save an estimated 6,570 kilowatt hours in electricity with a potential cost savings of $657 annually.