PG&E Solar Schools Program

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is pleased to launch the fourth year of the PG&E Solar Schools program. This program helps schools in the PG&E service area access resources to enhance the classroom experience, teach students about solar power, and receive the training necessary to teach about solar energy in the classroom. In 2006, PG&E received the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council award for this program due in large part to the program's focus on improving teaching and learning about energy in schools in central and northern California.

This program is funded by a grant from PG&E, in partnership with NEED and the Foundation for Environmental Education, has developed a program that assists local public schools with energy resources, science project grants, and supports local teachers with a specialized curriculum-all at no cost to the school.

About the Program

Installation of a solar generation system for the school’s educational use. This year, up to thirty schools will be selected to receive these systems at no cost. The Foundation for Environmental Education will work with schools to make their installation project a great success. Ten schools were selected in 2004, 20 in 2005, 30 in 2006, 40 in 2007, and more to come in 2008. The application process is open throughout the year and applications are being accepted for the 2008 PG&E Solar Schools.

Register for workshops

To receive announcements about the training programs, please email pgesolarschools@need.org and provide name, school name, school address, city, state, and zip.

The Fall Workshop schedule will be posted by August 15, 2008.

The PG&E Solar Schools Summer Series includes:

August 5-6, 2008 Solar and Wind Energy at the University of California Davis (PDF Registration)

August 11-12, 2008 Solar and Nuclear Workshop at Diablo Canyon (PDF registration)

August 6, 2008 Solar Schools Workshop in Fresno (PDF Registration)

Solar and Climate Change (Details TBD)

Solar and Wind (Details TBD)

Solar Curriculum and Training for K-12 schools. This year, PG&E will provide grants allowing over 1000 teachers to attend PG&E Solar Schools workshops and to receive NEED classroom kits and curriculum. Workshops are planned for over twenty locations in the PG&E Service Area in 2008. These one-day workshops provide instruction and background to teachers, allow for networking, and prepare participants to return to their classrooms with the tools and knowledge to teach about solar energy and other energy sources and topics as well.

The PG&E Solar Schools Guide has lessons and research activities for schools to utilize the solar installations near them and throughout the PG&E Solar Schools network.

“Bright Ideas” grants. This year, PG&E will award local schools grants of $2,500 and $5,000 to fund solar science projects. $200,000 in funding is available. Schools should consider ways to teach about solar and other renewable energies, and are encouraged to be creative with their grant applications. Grant applications are being accepted NOW for 2008 Bright Ideas Grants. Visit the Bright Ideas page for a listing of Fall 2007 Winners. Community Colleges and Junior Colleges may apply for up to $10,000 in Bright Ideas Grant funds.

Have questions? Want applications faxed to you? Give NEED at call at 800-875-5029 for assistance.