In October 2011, Adams Elementary School installed a 6.44-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system onto the school building thanks to a grant from the Eugene Water & Electric Board. The installation marked Adams as the first school in the Eugene 4J School District to have a PV system.

In addition to helping build a dedicated community of renewable energy educators at Adams Elementary, the Renewable Classroom PLUS project provided Solar 4R Schools has transformed the school's existing PV system into an interactive classroom tool for educators throughout the district. Energy... Read full project narrative >>

In 2013, the City of Bandon, Oregon installed a 7.5-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system onto a covered parking structure at their city offices. Energy monitoring services and equipment provided to the City by Solar 4R Schools in order to connect real-time performance data from their existing PV system and a nearby electric vehicle charging station to the Energy Exploration Center at Solar4RSchools.org. This project underscores the City's commitment to sustainability, community engagement and education.

At Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), we believe addressing the planet’... Read full project narrative >>

In 2009, Blachly-Lane County Cooperative Electric Association (Blachly-Lane) installed a 6-kilowatt, ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system onto its offices. The location has an unobstructed view to the south and provides optimum solar exposure. Joining forces with BEF for project funding and design enabled Blachly-Lane to install the system in a highly-visible, central location that is optimum for energy production as well as public engagement and education.

Energy monitoring services and hardware provided to the Association by the Solar 4R School program effectively transformed... Read full project narrative >>

In October 2012, Central Washington University completed the installation of a nearly 30-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system on their expanded Hogue Hall building.

Hogue Hall, one of the nation’s most advanced facilities for industrial and engineering technology, is home to CWU’s Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction (ETSC) department, acknowledged as the region’s premier construction management program. ETSC offers Washington’s only specialization in heavy civil construction, which is required for highways, bridges, and other major infrastructure projects. The energy... Read full project narrative >>

The City of Ashland has partnered with BEF on several successful projects. BEF contributed about $60,000 to fund and build Solar Ashland, which encompasses the solar installations at the Civic Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Southern Oregon University. At the time of its construction, Solar Ashland was the largest solar plant in the Pacific Northwest.

Energy monitoring services and equipment provided to the City by the Solar 4R School program made the real-time performance data from the 6-kilowatt PV system installed on the Civic Center accessible to the community—... Read full project narrative >>

The City of Ashland has partnered with BEF on several successful projects. BEF contributed about $60,000 to fund and build Solar Ashland, which encompasses the solar installations at the Civic Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Southern Oregon University. At the time of its construction, Solar Ashland was the largest solar plant in the Pacific Northwest.

Using the first community solar funding model, Solar Ashland was funded through a collaborative effort by the City of Ashland, BEF, Bonneville Power Administration, the State of Oregon and Avista Energy, along with the citizens... Read full project narrative >>

The Serenity House residential facility, Maloney Heights, was completed in December of 2010. A photovoltaic (PV) system was installed onto the building in March of 2011. Thanks to funding provided by the City of Port Angeles, energy monitoring services were provided to Maloney Heights by Solar 4R Schools made real-time performance data from their 6-kilowatt system available to the community. Students and educators analyzed the system's performance data for educational purposes.

A touchscreen kiosk installed at the nearby Feiro Marine Life Center at Pier 1 in Port Angeles, allowed... Read full project narrative >>

The 11.65-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system installation at the Clark Public Utilities District Operations Center directly supports the electricity needs of the facility. By partnering with the Solar 4R Schools™ program, Clark PUD connected the real-time performance data from their PV systems to the Energy Exploration Center at Solar4RSchools.org to served as an interactive educational tool for classrooms nationwide. At the time of the project, a touchscreen kiosk located within the building allowed students, faculty, staff and visitors to view real-time system performance data from the... Read full project narrative >>

The Columbia Gorge Discovery Center’s Solar Demonstration Project was developed by Columbia Gorge Community College students enrolled in the Renewable Energy Technology Program. Funded by Google and Bonneville Environmental Foundation with support from Bonneville Power Administration, the project is designed to engage visitors in learning about renewable energy. Renewable energy interpretive displays featuring energy generation helps the Discovery Center meet its mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of the environment for future generations.

Energy monitoring services... Read full project narrative >>

Thanks to generous support from Consumer Power, Inc., the Solar 4R Schools Renewable Classroom PLUS project provided to Crescent Valley in 2010 has transformed the school's PV system into an interactive classroom tool. During the 2005-2006 academic year, Crescent Valley High School pre-engineering students designed and helped install a 2.7-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system on the school roof. An energy monitoring system provided by Solar 4R Schools has connected the real-time performance data from their PV... Read full project narrative >>

In May 2012, Cheney Power and Light worked with BEF to install two pole-mounted 2.76-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) systems on the Eastern Washington University (EWU) campus. One set of panels (highlighted within this project profile) used a fixed pole structure; the other set was mounted on a two-dimensional solar tracker system. These two installations were the first part of a new Alternative Energy Center designed by EWU.

Built to "Living Building Challenge" standards, the Alternative Energy Center contains two classrooms that host community organization activities, university... Read full project narrative >>

Renewable Classroom projects are designed to build a dedicated community of renewable energy educators within a single school or district, led by a designated “Teacher Champion.” In 2008, educators within Ellensburg High School received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's existing curricula and complete access to the resources available on the Solar4RSchools.org website.  Read full project narrative >>

Blachly-Lane County Electric Association installed 6-kilowatt ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) system at their offices in 2009 (see their project page here). A touchscreen kiosk located within the Blachly-Lane facility helps engage visiting school groups and community members in their commitment to clean energy. Users can interactive with live energy generation data and compare it to... Read full project narrative >>

After installing a 5.61-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system at its nearby facility, Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative wished to leverage the system's educational value by supporting several Solar 4R Schools™ Renewable Classroom projects for neighboring schools.

Renewable Classroom projects are designed to build a dedicated community of renewable energy educators within a single school or district, led by a designated “Teacher Champion.” Thanks to the support of Blachly-Lane, Fern Ridge Middle School in Elmira, Oregon received a Renewable Classroom project from Solar 4R Schools™ in... Read full project narrative >>

Forest Grove Light & Power was founded in 1895 and is the third oldest municipal electric utility in the state of Oregon. Power was first generated locally by means of a small hydroelectric plant and later by steam and diesel generators. Since 1939, Forest Grove Light & Power has purchased the majority of its power from Bonneville Power Administration.

With help from the BEF, the utility installed a 7.9-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) project and charging stations at the utility offices in 2010. The project is directly visible from the street and has a live data kiosk in the... Read full project narrative >>

The San Juan Islands Conservation District is partnered with Orcas Power and Light Cooperative (OPALCO) and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation to install solar electric systems at the public schools on Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Shaw Islands in 2015. This exciting community solar project will deliver renewable energy to our public schools, reducing their electricity bills, and provide renewable energy education for our students. Participants receive a payback through production incentives. Lopez Island School is generating renewable solar energy through the community solar... Read full project narrative >>

Located in Eastsound, WA, on Orcas Island, The Funhouse Commons was founded by local activists in the spring of 1999. The Funhouse is a youth-oriented community center that fosters educational play with hands-on science exhibits, computer-based labs, and art and entertainment facilities. The Funhouse also provides many important social services aimed at the most vulnerable children in the community. The facility was designed to be a hands-on children's science museum. Science and sustainability topics are core to education programs at the Funhouse. Each year, Funhouse Commons hosts an... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, Helen Baller Elementary in Camas, Washington is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their 1-kilowatt photovoltaic system and used the system's performance data as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms. 

In 2009, educators within the school received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's existing curricula, and complete access to the resources available on the Solar4RSchools.org website.

Energy... Read full project narrative >>

Installed in August 2011, the 5.17-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system provided by Solar 4R Schools is located on the library roof at Helman Elementary. The project was made possible through contributions by the City of Ashland and members of the greater Helman Elementary School community.

As a Renewable School, Helman is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their PV system and leveraging the system's performance data as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms. In 2011, educators within the... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, Journeys School of Teton Science Schools is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their upgraded photovoltaic (PV) system, and leveraging the system's performance data as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms.

Before teaming up with the Solar 4R Schools program, Journeys School already had two photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on their campus: a wall-mounted grid-tied system; and a non-grid-tied pole-mounted system. As part of their project, the Solar 4R Schools team... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, Journeys School of Teton Science Schools is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their upgraded photovoltaic (PV) system, and leveraging the system's performance data as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms.

Before teaming up with the Solar 4R Schools program, Journeys already had two photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on their campus: a wall-mounted grid-tied system; and a non-grid-tied pole-mounted system. As part of their project, the Solar 4R Schools team... Read full project narrative >>

Key Peninsula Civic Center installed a 4.86-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system to offset the energy costs involved with operating the Center. Energy monitoring provided by Solar 4R Schools connected the live performance data from their PV system to the Energy Exploration Center at Solar4RSchools.org. Students and educators in the surrounding Peninsula School district as well as site visitors nationwide can chart, graph and analyze the system's performance data for educational purposes. Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, La Center High School (LCHS) is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their 1.02-kilowatt photovoltaic system, and leveraging the system's performance data as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms. The PV system is part of the school's Sustainables Project, and will demonstrate the environmental and economic opportunity created by renewable energy technology. Through the project, LCHS hopes to introduce the community, students, staff and parents to the various opportunities... Read full project narrative >>

Renewable Classroom projects are designed to build a dedicated community of renewable energy educators within a single school or district, led by a designated "Teacher Champion." Lincoln Elementary in Ellensburg, Washington received a Renewable Classroom project in October 2008. Educators within Lincoln Elementary received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's existing curricula, and complete access to the resources available on the Solar4RSchools.org website. Read full project narrative >>

Renewable Classroom projects are designed to build a dedicated community of renewable energy educators within a single school or district, led by a designated "Teacher Champion." 

Thanks to the generous support of Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative, Mapleton High School in Mapleton, Oregon joined the Solar 4R Schools program as part of the 5.61-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system installation at the utility. Educators within Mapleton High School received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's existing curricula, and... Read full project narrative >>

Midstate Electric Coop's administration building, completed in September of 2005, was the first LEED® certified building in Central Oregon and the first LEED® certified electric cooperative in the world. 

Buildings seeking LEED® certification are evaluated in six categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation & Design. The 7-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system that sits atop the building's parking structure is expected to supply 12 percent of the annual energy consumed on-site.... Read full project narrative >>

Renewable Classroom projects are designed to build a dedicated community of renewable energy educators within a single school or district, led by a designated "Teacher Champion." As part of the Ellensburg Community Project, in 2008 educators within Morgan Middle School received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's existing curricula, and complete access to the resources available on the Solar4RSchools.org website. Read full project narrative >>

Thanks to the support of Seattle City Light, Mount Stuart Elementary in Ellensburg, Washington joined the Solar 4R Schools program in October 2008 when they received a Renewable Classroom project. Renewable Classroom projects are designed to build a dedicated community of renewable energy educators within a single school or district, led by a designated "Teacher Champion." Educators within Mount Stuart Elementary received a customized renewable energy teacher... Read full project narrative >>

NOLS Teton Valley is one of nine branch schools of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). The mission of NOLS is to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Founded in 1965, one of our primary objectives is to broaden our students' environmental awareness and practices. NOLS instituted a comprehensive Sustainability Initiative to increase staff and student environmental awareness and significantly reduce our school-wide environmental footprint. All nine of our branch schools are taking active steps to reduce their... Read full project narrative >>

As a Solar 4R Schools Renewable School, Orcas Montessori School on Orcas Island, Washington is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators and generating clean energy with the installation of a new 9.72-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system. This system will reduce energy costs for the school and will provide a valuable interactive energy education resource for teachers and students.

In 2013, educators within the school received a custom package of renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials and complete access to the wealth of educational... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, Our Lady of Guadalupe School is building a dedicated community of renewable educators through their new 6.12 kW photovoltaic (PV) system. Solar 4R Schools provided educators with customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's existing curricula, and complete access to the curricula and live energy data available on Solar4RSchools.org. At the time of the project, an interactive kiosk display served as a community engagement tool to provide information about energy production and conservation using real-time solar... Read full project narrative >>

Thanks to the generous support of Parkland Light and Water, Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Washington received 7-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) installation in 2012.

The installation uses local Washington-made PV modules and power inverters from Silicon Energy installed in a staggered array on the roof of Facilities Management Building to accommodate shade from nearby trees. The power produced will supply the electric use needs of the building and will account for financial savings each year.

Energy monitoring provided to the university by Solar 4R Schools connected the... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, Paisley School in Paisley, Oregon is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their 2.3-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system, and leveraging the PV system as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms. With an average of 5.12 peak sun hours a day, Paisley, Oregon is one of the most solar resource intensive areas of the state.

In 2013, educators within the school received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, Raymond Elementary School in Raymond, Washington is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their awarded 5.44-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system, and leveraging the system's performance data as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in classrooms throughout the district.

Educators throughout the Raymond School District received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's existing curricula, and complete access to the resources... Read full project narrative >>

The SeQuential biofuel station is a demonstration in realistic, feasible, and sustainable technologies. More than 16,000 individual photovoltaic cells are installed on 224 panels on the canopy over the fuel pumps and generate 33 kilowatts of electrical power – or enough to provide 30% to 50% of the power that the station requires. Other technologies displayed at the station include a passive solar design, a living roof covered in plants and soil and bioswales that catch rainwater, hold it on site and uses plant life and microorganisms to filters out pollutants.

Energy monitoring... Read full project narrative >>

In August of 2000 several Pacific Northwest power concerns worked together to commission the installation of three significant photovoltaic (PV) systems in Ashland.

One of these was installed on the Southern Oregon University's Hannon Library. The 6-kilowatt PV system on Hannon Library consists of 24 solar panels connected together to send power that feeds directly into the City of Ashland's 3-phase power grid, at 220 volts AC.

At the time of the project, energy monitoring services provided to the university by Solar 4R Schools connected the live performance data from... Read full project narrative >>

In 2013, the Associated Students of Southern Oregon University installed a 31.59-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system at Stevenson Union. The power generated reduces the university's utility bills, works to displace fossil fuel-based electricity from the power grid and helps protect local air quality.

Energy monitoring services provided to the university by the Solar 4R Schools program connected live performance data from their PV system to the Energy Exploration Center at Solar4RSchools.org. Students and educators nationwide can chart, graph and analyze the system's performance data... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, St. Helens High School in St. Helens, Oregon is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their 1.1-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms.

The project is brightening the future for students at St. Helens High School. The project educates students and teachers on the functions and benefits of solar electric power, while providing clean energy to help offset a portion of the school’s electricity use. The project award was made possible... Read full project narrative >>

Thanks to the generous support of Tacoma Public Utilities, energy monitoring services provided to the Tacoma Community College by Solar 4R Schools connected the live performance data from their existing 24-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system to the Energy Exploration Center at Solar4RSchools.org. Students and educators nationwide can chart, graph and analyze the system's performance data for educational purposes. Read full project narrative >>

The Evergreen School has been engaged in a variety of campus sustainability initiatives for many years, including recycling, composting, reusing, landscaping with native plants, and working to restore natural areas on campus.

Starting in 2011, this solar demonstration project allows adds our first renewable energy component to our environmental efforts. Our 9.66 kW photovoltaic (PV) system will visibly demonstrate our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, allow us to expand the topic of renewable energy in our curriculum, and create real-world learning opportunities for... Read full project narrative >>

In 2012, the Tillamook PUD installed a 6-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system at their main office in Tillamook, Oregon. This system is visible to the public and will be available as an educational tool. The system is comprised of all Oregon-made products; the SolarWorld PV modules were made in Hillsboro, the PV Powered DC-AC power inverter made in La Pine, and the SunStorage parking shelter made in Enterprise. These products could all be part of a residential or business installation and have been installed to model all PUD code requirements.

Energy monitoring services provided to the... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, Toutle Lake High School in Toutle, Washington is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their awarded 1.1-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system, and leveraging the system as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms. Toutle Lake was the first high school in Cowlitz County to receive a PV system. The project was made possible by the generous support of Cowlitz County PUD.

In 2008, educators within the school received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on... Read full project narrative >>

Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative installed a 5.61-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system onto at their facility in Blachly, Oregon. In 2009, their commitment was further expanded when Triangle Lake joined the Solar 4R Schools program as a Renewable Classroom project.

Renewable Classroom projects are designed to build a dedicated community of renewable energy educators within a single school or district, led by a designated “Teacher Champion.” Educators within Triangle Lake School in Blachly, Oregon received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit... Read full project narrative >>

The City of University Place, Washington completed their 4.8-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) project as a functional and educational public example of renewable energy. The Civic Building features other improvements located in the center of University Place, such as electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle lockers and recycling receptacles, as well as the PV system. The building serves as a visible example of the City’s commitment to sustainable practices.

At the time of the project, energy monitoring services provided to the City connected the live performance data from their... Read full project narrative >>

Renewable Classroom projects are designed to build a dedicated community of renewable energy educators within a single school or district, led by a designated “Teacher Champion.” In 2008, educators within Valley View Elementary in Ellensburg, Washington received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's existing curricula, and complete access to the resources available on the Solar4RSchools.org website... Read full project narrative >>

The mission of Wake Robin Learning Center in Longview, Washington is to provide structured outdoor learning opportunities that enrich educational programs and promote an understanding of forests for multiple and sustained benefits.

As a Renewable School, Wake Robin Learning Center is extending their commitment to inspire students with emphasis on connecting them to the benefits of clean, renewable energy. The Center is generating clean energy through their awarded 1.1-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms.... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, West Salem High School is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through their 2.8-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms. The school opened its doors in the fall of 2002 and the design incorporates many energy efficient and environmentally friendly architectural features.

In 2006, Educators within the school received a customized renewable energy teacher training, hands-on science kit materials to augment the school's existing curricula, and... Read full project narrative >>

West Salem High School was just the second school to join the Solar 4R Schools program, installing a 2.8-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system in 2002. In April 2008, West Salem continued its renewable-energy trailblazing. With generous funding support from Salem Electric, the school built a wind turbine on its campus rated at 1.8-kilowatts with a peak output of 2.4-kilowatts. To augment the benefit of West Salem's wind project, BEF provided data monitoring hardware and provided teachers with additional learning tools that illustrate the benefits of wind energy.

At the time of the... Read full project narrative >>

As a Renewable School, Willamette High School in Eugene, Oregon is building a dedicated community of renewable energy educators, generating clean energy through a  2.4-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system leveraged as an educational tool to bring energy topics to life in their classrooms. 

The system was installed in 2006 onto the school roof and constructed with a mobile 1-kilowatt PV plant/demonstration unit. Both the fixed system and the mobile unit provided energy to charge electric vehicles built and converted in the Industry and Engineering CAM program on-site. In addition, the... Read full project narrative >>