Solar for Schools Program

Organization: Solar United Neighbors (SUN) in partnership with Cuyahoga County Utility, Cuyahoga Green Energy, and Growth Opportunity Partners (Growth Opps)

Program Status: Active (installations began as of 2024)

A program designed to help school districts install solar energy systems to reduce energy costs and support student education about renewable energy.

Participating School Districts (as of June 2024)

• East Cleveland City Schools
• Maple Heights City Schools
• Euclid City Schools
• Cuyahoga Heights Local School District
• One additional district to be announced

Geographic Scope

• Ohio (specifically Cuyahoga County region)

Funding Components

Each participating school district receives:

• Grant funding: Almost $1 million per district in grant money from the U.S. Department of Energy
• Forgivable loan: To cover upfront costs of solar installation
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credit payment: A payment equivalent to the federal clean energy tax credit

Benefits

• Reduced energy costs for school districts
• Reinvestment of savings into student education
• Protection against rising utility electricity costs
• Educational opportunities for students about renewable energy
• Improved air quality around schools (reducing need for fossil fuel burning)
• Job creation and economic development
• Reduced strain on energy system

Eligibility

• Public school districts

SUN's Role

• Guidance on researching solar systems
• Support reviewing bids
• Technical assistance throughout the process

Application Process

No direct application information provided in the source material. The program appears to select participating school districts through partnership agreements with local utilities and organizations.

For Information:

Join SUN's email list to stay up to date on the progress of the Solar for Schools program

Contact Solar United Neighbors for more information about solar opportunities in local communities