CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For some
North Carolina students, learning
about solar power will soon be as easy as looking outside their
school window.
Duke Energy, through Raleigh-based nonprofit NC GreenPower, will
invest $300,000 in solar PV systems
for up to 10 schools in the state. The program will spur the
generation of more clean energy, while creating a learning
environment for students.
"North Carolina is a leader in
solar installations and education," said David Fountain, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "These installations
will give students a chance to see solar power production firsthand
– and provide an opportunity to learn about the attributes of this
growing energy resource."
Modeled after NC GreenPower's Solar Schools program, this
particular initiative will pay for 100 percent of the installation
costs for rooftop or top-of-pole mounted systems on school
property. The program also provides monitoring equipment, training
and curriculum to students and teachers.
Schools must apply through NC GreenPower for consideration.
Information and future applications can be accessed here.
"NC GreenPower is excited to partner with Duke Energy to provide
additional K-12 schools with this great educational package. We
rely on donations to help our schools, so this collaboration
enables us to further our reach, especially to those schools that
could not otherwise afford the technology," said Vicky McCann, NC
GreenPower vice president.
Any K-12 North Carolina school
served by Duke Energy Carolinas may apply. Consideration will be
given to schools that have expressed past interest in solar or
schools in economically challenged Tier 1 counties. NC GreenPower
will use approved solar installation companies to manage the
installation process for interested schools.
Schools must apply by Dec. 2,
2016. Recipients will be named by Feb. 13, 2017.
With a renewable energy portfolio spanning a dozen states, Duke
Energy is one of the nation's leading developers of renewable
energy. The company operates roughly 35 solar plants in
North Carolina. The state ranks
No. 2 in the nation for solar energy.
The program is part of a recent settlement with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and environmental groups.
About Duke Energy
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100
Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at
duke-energy.com.
The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for
journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and
videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online
destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and
community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into
the past and insights into the future of energy.
Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and
Facebook.
About NC GreenPower
With the mission of improving the quality of the environment in
North Carolina, the nonprofit NC
GreenPower was founded in 2003 by Advanced Energy. NC
GreenPower helps to connect consumers with renewable energy and
carbon offset providers to create positive environmental and
economic impacts for our state. All projects supported by the
program are located in North
Carolina.
In 2015, NC GreenPower launched a new pilot to support solar PV
installations at K-12 schools. Contributions to NC GreenPower are
tax-deductible. For more information, visit:
www.ncgreenpower.org.
Contact: Randy Wheeless
Office: 704.382.8379
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_RandyW
Contact: Katie Lebrato
NC GreenPower
919-857-9026
klebrato@ncgreenpower.org
Twitter: @NCGP
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SOURCE Duke Energy