Carmel Youth Leaders Focus on Solar for Schools
Today, 1 in 9 students attend a solar-powered school! And there are 136 solar schools in Indiana, including Fishers, Noblesville and Sheridan schools.
Now that the City of Carmel has a Climate Action Plan, Youth Leaders turn their attention to Carmel Clay Schools.
As one of the largest consumers of electricity in Carmel, CCS has one of the largest carbon footprints and can make a big difference in helping Carmel meet its climate goals. Switching to solar power reduces the school’s carbon footprint to protect the future for students and show families that CCS cares.
Solar reduces the districts’ environmental impact, saves energy dollars that can be redirected to the classroom and offers real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), making these subjects more accessible and inspiring future electricians and engineers.
There are so many reasons to invest in solar!
SOLAR SAVES TAX DOLLARS: Solar schools are growing in Indiana and across the country. Here in Hamilton County, Fishers, Noblesville and Sheridan schools have solar. The Carmel public library has solar. Carmel Utilities has solar. The Hamilton County jail has solar.
COST/BENEFIT: Electricity is one of highest budget items for schools. Solar provides a 30-year fixed cost for energy and protects the school district from rising energy costs. Energy savings from solar can be used in the classroom. For example, solar saved an Arkansas school enough for teachers to get up to $15K in raises.
FEDERAL INCENTIVE: The 30% federal incentive through the IRA makes solar even more affordable for schools, churches, and cities. The Indiana Green Bank can also help with financing.
CURRICULUM: Solar technology is the future. Solar at schools gives students hands-on STEM learning experience, preparing future electricians and engineers.
PROTECTING THE FUTURE FOR STUDENTS: The Carmel Clay School district has the responsibility to protect students and the community by lowering its carbon footprint. Solar is the cleanest energy you can get, right where you need it.
CLEAN AIR & WATER: Solar offsets electricity made from coal combustion which is the greatest source of water and air pollution in Indiana.
PARKING LOT SOLAR CANOPIES: Solar canopies provide welcome shade and shelter from downpours, which helps protect against extreme weather expected to get worse. See some examples
ENERGY SECURITY & RESILIENCE: Solar provides energy security and resilience benefits to the community. Solar production will reduce load on the local grid, helping to maintain grid stability, especially on sweltering summer days when air conditioners are running high. This helps to build the community’s resilience during heat waves which are projected to get hotter and last longer. In addition, solar with battery storage makes communities more resilient against power outages during extreme weather disasters and possible cyber attacks.
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