Above: photo of the 2 MW/7,208 panel utility-scale solar farm as part of a Solar Park and Learning Center in Norman, OK.
Students for Solar visiting the 2 MW OEC/NPS Solar Array May, 2022.
Students for Solar collaborates with and is supported by Solar Schools Norman. Solar Schools Norman (SSN) is a community based organization whose mission is to encourage Norman Public Schools to transition to 100% renewable energy. SSN knew about parcels of unused land that Norman Public Schools (NPS) owned and approached OEC about the possibility of using it to collaborate on building solar arrays and to create educational opportunities that introduce students to renewable energy technologies. The outreach from SSN served as an entry into discussing options with the school systems’ energy efficiency specialist and eventually the superintendent of schools. A 15-acre parcel was offered to OEC on a 30-year lease. The revenue from leasing the land to OEC will continue to help the school district offset energy costs and support educational opportunities for students. To learn more about this unique partnership please read the reports and articles linked below.
When the OEC/NPS Partnership was approved, then School Board Vice President, Dirk O’Hara, asked “How do we get to 100%?”. The answer came in December 2020 when the Board passed the Renewable Energy Resolution (photo on the left). The Resolution is the first step in the pursuit to offset 100% of the district’s energy use and cost. The Resolution will allow for future installation of solar panels on individual school sites and the adoption of other renewable energy sources as they become available. Small scale site based installations could be paid for by donors through organizations like Students for Solar at Irving Middle School or Parent Teacher Organizations. Large installations could be financed with an Energy Management Bond. Site based solar installations have the potential to save the District $1.36 million dollars annually and provide educational opportunities for our students and employees.
Our beloved club sponsor Ms. Vaughn celebrating the adoption of the Renewable Energy Resolution.