Opportunities for distributed solar energy abound on residential, commercial, and government properties

As we seek to reduce our reliance on polluting fossil fuel sources, the deployment of distributed solar among these sectors has become a valuable strategy in our nation's energy transition. When considering the associated community benefits, however, one sector of society arguably benefits most - the educational sector. Schools, like other institutions, businesses, and homes, experience long-term financial benefits when solar technology is adopted, but the case for solar on school properties becomes particularly compelling when associated educational opportunities are considered. This is especially true in low income and minority communities where schools are often under resourced and where access to clean, renewable energy is often unavailable. This solar for schools initiative will provide financial support to five northeast ohio school districts in environmental justice communities to collectively install between 600 - 800 KW of solar, will create a procurement framework for future solar installations, and will support the development of renewable energy curriculum for k-12 science and high school career tech students. The goals of this program are to: reduce electricity costs for schools; reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions; increase equitable access to clean, local renewable energy; provide educational and career tech opportunities for k-12 students; and create a replicable procurement model. The project will produce lasting outcomes by demonstrating the environmental, educational, and financial benefits of solar, by creating a 'solar footprint' that can be built upon, and by developing a standard procurement process that can be replicated in the future.activities:(1) the request for proposal (RFP) development and issuance: solar united neighbors will work collaboratively with the ohio schools council and the ibew local 38 to develop the solar installer RFP. The RFP will include living wage rate and apprenticeship requirements as well as DEI considerations. Respondents will be asked to describe their past efforts with regard to hiring and promoting diverse employees and implementing equitable policies and programs. (2) installer selection: the ohio schools council will work with representatives from each district and the ibew to select a solar installer. Applicants will be evaluated based on pricing, equipment, and warranty offerings as well as employee diversity, competitive wages for employees, and fair hiring practices. Preference will be given to an installer with a local presence that utilizes a local workforce. (3) installation and interconnection: solar arrays will be installed on selected schools within the five partner districts. (4) ongoing monitoring: solar united neighbors and cuyahoga county will work with the local school districts to monitor solar energy production, carbon emissions reductions, and electricity bill savings throughout the duration of the grant. (5) k-12 curriculum development: curriculum development experts from the educational service center will collaborate with elementary, middle, and high school teachers from each district to develop a k-12 renewable energy curriculum. Curriculum will include foundational instruction on climate science, will incorporate the value of school solar installations, and will emphasize the importance renewable technologies in our nation's energy transition. Curriculum will be developed over a 2-week period during the summer of 2024. (6) renewable energy continuing education series for teachers: the educational service center (ESC) will offer a monthly continuing education series for teachers during the fall and spring semesters. (7) implementation of career tech coursework: the educational service center (ESC)workforce development team will incorporate the ibew apprenticeship