SolarSmart Schools

In the United States, the primary way the government encourages (or discourage) the use of various types of energy is through tax credits. Solar energy systems, alternative fuel vehicles, ethanol, and oil production are all subsidized through various types of tax credits. Unfortunately, non-tax-paying entities like schools and churches have no tax liability to apply the credits to, and are unable to take advantage of one of the primary incentive available to install solar energy systems.

While some schools have found creative ways to finance and install solar energy systems, most lack the capacity and resources to do so. Our vision in creating the SolarSmart Schools program is to empower schools to use solar energy to save money, generate clean power and teach students about renewable energy technologies.

At TSF, we are excited about the prospect to help teach the next generation of students about the benefits of solar energy, and to help bring the benefits of clean energy to local communities. We believe that energy literacy is an essential skill for citizens of the modern world and that solar energy is an effective educational vehicle for teaching students how to be conscious of their energy use.

More to come...

Students at the commissioning ceremony of a 10kW system
on Cooper Elementary School in Milwaukee, WI