School District 21 awarded Illinois Clean Energy Community Solar Grant

April 16, 2021

Topic: Student Learning

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) recently awarded CCSD21 a grant under its K-12 Solar Schools Program. The grant will provide funding for the purchase and installation of a solar panel at each of CCSD21’s three middle schools – Cooper, Holmes, and London.

“We’re thrilled to accept this grant and look forward to installing a solar panel at each of our middle schools,” said Dr. Mike Connolly, CCSD21 Superintendent. “Having this real-life tool at our students’ fingertips deepens their passion for science and exploration. Thanks to the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation for providing an opportunity for discovery our students wouldn’t have access to otherwise.”

The grant supports the installation of a 1 kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system at each school. While the system is relatively small, students will see first-hand how sunlight is converted into electricity and can monitor electricity generation in real time.

“ICECF is excited to begin work with Cooper, Holmes, and London Middle Schools on their K-12 Solar Schools grant,” said Cassie Slattery, Program Assistant at the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. “The PV panels at each school will provide hands-on education on renewable energy and online monitoring of real-time electricity generation and allow students to use the data in the classroom. We hope students at all three schools continue to get service from the panels for years to come.”

CCSD21 will next solicit bids for the installation of the solar panels. Installation will take place during the 2021-2022 school year.