CPS is aiming to rely on renewable energy for 100 percent of electricity demands by 2025, and eventually 100 percent of all energy requirements by 2050. The plan outlines how to achieve high levels of resource efficiency throughout the district. Relying on industry advisors and diverse funding sources, renewable energy installations will be installed on schools across the district.
CPS Goes Solar! builds on existing efforts. More than 50 schools are already home to educational photovoltaic arrays. These small arrays, between 1-11 kW, demonstrate the application of renewable energy and new technologies to students.
Some, like the 10.8 kW (2002) photovoltaic array installed on Frazier Elementary School are roof mounted. Others, like the 1kW (2011) array installed at Payton College Preparatory High School are wall mounted, or can be ground mounted as shown at Audubon Elementary School.
Teachers are encouraged to integrate these educational arrays into the curriculum offered at each school. As CPS Goes Solar! expands and larger arrays are installed, it remains key that teachers are provided with resources to integrate solar panels into curriculum through inquiry-based learning.