21 schools across Virginia are reducing their carbon footprint by providing solar power for their operations through a partnership between BrightSuite Solar, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, and Sun Tribe.
The solar systems at schools in Arlington, Fluvanna, Hanover, King William, Newport News, Powhatan and Virginia Beach will be installed in collaboration with Sun Tribe and will generate more than 11 MW of solar energy at peak power.
Solar panels are installed either on school buildings or on the ground on school grounds and provide renewable energy to meet some of the schools' energy needs while lowering their electricity bills through the government net metering program with funding from BrightSuite. As part of the power purchase agreements, the school departments do not pay any upfront costs and receive long-term security and savings in energy costs. Students and educators get access to educational programs that use their solar systems. They introduce the state's youngest learners to basic scientific concepts, expand access to STEM and raise awareness of renewable career paths.
"We are very excited to be working with these schools to help them meet their renewable energy goals by reducing their carbon footprint and achieving long-term cost savings," said Todd Headlee, director of customer energy solutions for Dominion Energy. “We know schools, municipalities and businesses are looking for renewable and sustainable energy options. BrightSuite Solar helps customers find the solution that works best for them. "
Since 2019, BrightSuite Solar has been helping companies and governments achieve their sustainability goals by providing customers with cost-effective renewable energy solutions. By combining Dominion Energy's industry knowledge and commitment to a cleaner energy future with a select network of solar companies in Virginia, BrightSuite Solar offers customers turnkey solar solutions with no upfront costs.
With these 21 locations, Dominion Energy has now installed solar panels in 48 schools across Virginia, both through BrightSuite Solar and the Solar for Students educational program.
Click here for the full list of schools with ongoing solar projects.
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