For Immediate Release: November 22, 2024
For More Information: Jennette Gayer, Environment Georgia, 703-475-3228
Don Moreland, Solar Crowdsource, 404-370-1764
Solarize Gwinnett coalition donates solar array to help reduce energy costs and offer teaching opportunity
LAWRENCEVILLE– Solar energy is now being generated on the roof of Baggett Elementary thanks to a donation from the Solarize Gwinnett coalition and Better Tomorrow Solar. Solarize Gwinnett also helped to install solar on 20 homes around Gwinnett in 2023 and 2024.
“Solar on the school's roof is a win-win-win,” said Mitch Green, Baggett Elementary’s principal. “We will save money on our electric bills, help to protect the environment, and our students now have a hands-on opportunity to see a future powered by clean energy in action.”
The system installed at Baggett Elementary is a ground mounted 5.1 kW array that sits in the back area of the school. The 12 panels will generate about 6,328 kWh the first year. The school will save almost $1,000 per year on their electric bills and reduce its carbon footprint. Better Tomorrow Solar donated the panels and electrical components as part of their agreement with the Solarize Gwinnett Coalition. The rack the solar system sits on was made possible by Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and Gwinnett County Public Schools' Science Office.
“Schools are a great place to install solar,” said Kaveh Kamooneh, founder of Better Tomorrow Solar, which installed the solar array at Baggett Elementary and all of the Solarize Gwinnett solar homes. “It helps cut carbon emissions and save on energy costs, giving teachers countless chances to educate students. I’m glad we are able to help Gwinnett Schools put more money towards education and less money towards paying their power bill.”
For roughly nine months Solarize Gwinnett helped make it easier and cheaper for residents to put solar on their roofs. The solar installed will reduce carbon emissions in Gwinnett by over 200,000 lbs. annually. Proceeds from the project allowed for a solar array to be donated to Gwinnett Co. schools. Baggett Elementary students and staff are eager to put their STEM skills to work through this real-world opportunity and have been able to have a voice in helping their school reduce their environmental footprint.
Solarize Gwinnett is a community-led initiative organized by a coalition of partners including Sustainable Gwinnett, Green Shorts, Solar Stewards, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Environment Georgia, the Georgia Chapter of the Sierra Club, Solar Crowdsource, Better Tomorrow Solar, and the Gwinnett Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby.
“When schools go solar, it’s an investment in the health of our children and a cleaner, greener future for our planet,” said Jennette Gayer, director of Environment Georgia and one of Solarize Gwinnett’s community partners. “Solar panel technology keeps improving and there’s never been a better time for schools to go solar.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony for Baggett Elementary’s solar array will be held on November 22nd at 1pm.
