Sun Power for Schools is a demonstration and educational program initiated in 1996 to teach students and the community about renewable energy systems. It is supported by a voluntary partnership between Hawaiian Electric Company, the State of Hawaii Department of Education, and the community.
Also participating in Sun Power for Schools, under separate memoranda of understanding, are our subsidiaries Hawaii Electric Light Company and Maui Electric Company.
To help educate students about renewable energy, Hawaiian Electric Company used a grant for the development of a renewable energy teaching manual, which includes lesson plans and activities that are aligned with the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards (HCPSII). This manual is available to middle and high school teachers through their school libraries.
Purpose and Objectives of Sun Power for Schools:
To encourage renewable energy education for Hawaii's school children
To demonstrate how solar and wind resources produce electricity
To provide a working model that demonstrates carbon dioxide (CO2) displacement by the use of emissionless power generation
Partners:
Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc.
State of Hawaii Department of Education
Members of the community
Hawaiian Electric Company's role:
Hawaiian Electric Company is conducting a green pricing program that provides electric customers with the opportunity to make voluntary contributions to encourage the development of renewable energy. Monies are placed in a Sun Power for Schools fund that is used to install AC grid-connected renewable energy systems, which may be powered by solar or wind resources, at selected schools.
Hawaiian Electric will operate and maintain the systems for two years after installation. After that time, the Department of Education assumes responsibility for the systems.
Learn how to be a partner in Hawaii's clean energy future and increase renewable education in our public schools.
For information on Sun Power for Schools installations in Hawaii County, click here.
For information on Sun Power for Schools installations in Maui County, click here.
