RICHMOND, Va., June 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As renewable
energy becomes a growing part of Virginia's energy mix, Dominion Energy is
expanding its Solar for Students program to give more students
hands-on experience with solar power. Dominion Energy has selected
five additional public schools in Virginia, as well as one children's museum,
for the unique chance to observe and learn firsthand about
harnessing solar energy from a solar array installed right outside
the classroom. Four public schools piloted the program in 2015, so
the program has more than doubled in size.
"We are very excited to expand the reach of the Solar for
Students program to give more organizations the chance to engage
children in learning about clean, renewable solar energy," said
Hunter A. Applewhite, president of
the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. "It's a technology that
holds great promise and one that our company is fully committed to
expanding. The students participating in this program will learn
firsthand about an energy source that will play a large part in
powering their futures."
Solar energy is growing rapidly in the state. Dominion Energy
has invested nearly $1 billion in
solar projects since 2015 and currently has a dozen new projects
underway. The company has long-range plans to bring 5,200 megawatts
online by 2042, or enough to power 1.3 million homes.
With renewable energy a growing part of the energy mix, Dominion
Energy is dedicated to providing students of all ages with
opportunities to learn about solar energy. Dominion Energy and its
charitable foundation now have funded 10 Solar for Students
projects and partnered with another five schools or universities to
install rooftop solar panels through the company's Solar
Partnership program.
"Teaching our children the fundamentals of science and
technology is an essential part of preparing our students for the
future," said Dietra Trent,
Virginia Secretary of Education.
"I'm pleased to see that more students across Virginia will have the opportunity to learn
about clean energy and 21st century jobs."
The following organizations have been selected to participate in
Solar for Students:
- Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center
(Albemarle County)
- Children's Museum of Richmond
(Richmond)
- Deer Park Elementary School (Newport
News)
- Hampton High School (Hampton)
- Kenmore Middle School
(Arlington)
- MathScience Innovation Center (Henrico)
Each participant will receive a 1.2-kilowatt photovoltaic system
that converts sunlight into electric power, as well as technical
support, educational materials and training for educators. Each
solar array will have a visual display that shows students and
faculty real-time data on the amount of electricity
generated. Each array will generate enough electricity at
maximum output to power 18 desktop computers, 40 ten-gallon
aquariums or 15 42-inch LED televisions.
The NEED Project (National Energy Education Development) will
administer the program once again by providing technical support,
coordinating the installation of solar panels, preparing
educational materials for students, and training the teachers.
"We are honored to continue our partnership with Dominion Energy
and bring high-quality energy education to Virginia," said Mary
E. Spruill, executive director of the NEED Project. "Solar
for Students brings together all that makes learning about energy
fun: A solar electric installation, hands-on STEM activities,
teacher training and a curriculum that can engage and inspire
tomorrow's energy experts."
Students will be able to track the generation of electric power
by viewing their data online and can challenge other participating
schools around the world to a solar power match. Students will
learn how weather and temperature impact solar electricity and
they'll learn more about Virginia's energy resources. In a new
component, students will help choose school colors or other designs
for their array.
After the solar installations are completed during the 2017-18
school year, the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation will sponsor
a "Solarbration" at each location to showcase the solar projects
and give students, local officials and community members the chance
to learn more about this collaborative learning project.
For more on this program, visit
www.dominionenergy.com/solarforschools.
For photos or B-roll of events at participating schools, visit
our Media Downloads page.
About Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy (NYSE:D) is one
of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy.
The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation is dedicated to
improving the physical, social and economic well-being of the
communities served by Dominion Energy. The Foundation supports
nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the
environment, promote education and encourage community vitality.
For more information about Dominion Energy, visit the company's
website at www.DominionEnergy.com.
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SOURCE Dominion Energy