SECU Members increase support for NC GreenPower’s Solar Schools program

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The member-funded State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) is increasing its 2018-2019 support for NC GreenPower’s Solar Schools program – good news for North Carolina schools interested in participating in the solar energy initiative. The SECU Foundation program renewal will provide a two-year $150,000 challenge grant for up to ten K-12 public schools to earn the opportunity for a solar array system to be installed on their campus. The new level of support will decrease the school’s fundraising requirement to $5,000, helping reduce the financial burden for economically struggling schools and communities.

“Since launching our pilot in 2015, SECU Foundation has enabled us to award a complete educational solar package to 14 schools across North Carolina. With the Foundation’s increased challenge grant per campus, we expect to see even greater interest in our program and plan to award up to 10 additional schools over the next two years. We also hope to reach more rural schools that may not have previously applied for the grant because of concerns over raising enough funds,” said Vicky McCann, Vice President of NC GreenPower.

Solar Schools’ participants reaching their funding commitment will be awarded challenge grant assistance from NC GreenPower and the SECU Foundation to build a 3kW or 5kW pole-mounted solar PV array system, complete with monitoring equipment and grade-level appropriate curriculum for students to gain firsthand experience in the classroom about the production of renewable energy.

“SECU members are happy to continue their support for the Solar Schools program – helping NC GreenPower expand the organization’s educational and incentive programs to promote green energy sources,” remarked Cynthia Jolly, SECU Foundation Board Chair. “It’s a valuable program not only for the electricity savings generated for the schools, but also for the exciting opportunity to engage students in the field of solar-generated power.”

McCann continued, “We are so grateful to State Employees’ Credit Union members for their support over the last decade and look forward to our continued partnership to help improve the environment and support education in our state.”