Dominion looking for schools to pilot solar energy project

Public schools in Dominion Virginia Power’s service territory, including parts of Prince William County, may soon be able to harness the power of the sun to help their students learn about solar energy.

The Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dominion Virginia Power, is seeking applications until July 10 from K-12 public schools for its Dominion Solar for Schools program. The Dominion Foundation will select four schools within its Virginia service area to receive a 1 kilowatt photovoltaic system that converts sunlight into electric power.

“Dominion Solar for Schools will allow students to understand and appreciate the importance of clean, renewable energy in a way that is accessible, engaging and fun,” Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Foundation, was quoted as saying in a press release.

National Energy Education Development (NEED) will support the project by providing technical support, installing the panels, preparing educational materials for students, and training teachers.

Each solar array will have a visual display that will show students and faculty real-time data on the amount of electricity generated.  One kilowatt is enough electricity to power 15 desktop computers, 33 ten-gallon aquariums, or three 42-inch plasma TVs.

The Dominion Foundation will accept applications for the Dominion Solar for Schools program through July 10 and announce the selected schools in September.  The solar installation will take place in early fall.

The Dominion Foundation will sponsor a “Solarbration” at each of the schools to commemorate the solar projects.

For more information on the Dominion Solar for Schools program or to access the application go to http://www.dom.com/solarschools