California Solar Schools: The PG&E Solar Schools Program

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California’s schools face unprecedented financial challenges-which have caused many schools to cut back on programs that enrich children’s lives. Recognizing this challenge, Pacific Gas & Electric Company launched the PG&E Solar Schools Program in 2004-a shareholder-funded initiative that reinforces PG&E’s commitment to renewable energy and education in a way that benefits schools, students and the community.

Since its inception, PG&E has contributed more than $6 million to provide under-served public schools with demonstration photovoltaic systems and monitoring systems. The program also provides training workshops for teachers, solar-based curriculum and “Bright Ideas” grants, which support innovative solar science projects in classrooms.

PG&E’s award-winning Solar Schools Program is nationally recognized for teaching the value of alternative energy. The Solar Schools Program has been awarded the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s IREC Annual Innovation award, named “Education Innovator of the Year” by the San Francisco Business Times and received the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, California’s highest and most prestigious environmental honor.