A bright future for a school – and their solar panels

Edge High School serves at-risk students to help them have a bright future and they wanted to install solar panels to do the same. Through SUN’s partnership with the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) on the Nonprofit Solar Project, we were able to assist Edge High School through the process of installing solar. Our team met with staff members from the Tucson, Arizona school to understand their needs. Then, we guided them through setting up a site visit for local installers and assisting with proposal reviews. From start to finish, SUN was there, answering questions and serving as solar consultants.

Our work with Edge saw incredible results. After finding the perfect solar installer for them, 116 solar panels were installed as a solar canopy over their parking lot. Now, they’re powering 100% of their electrical requirements with solar energy!

So far, Edge High School is one of seven organizations we’ve helped go solar in Tucson alone through the Nonprofit Solar Project. More nonprofits throughout the U.S. can access solar energy now, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. A provision called Direct Pay allows tax exempt organizations anywhere to receive a check from the IRS for installing a solar system. SUN is helping nonprofits go solar through direct consulting projects, our Solar Help Desk, our online resources, and programs like Ready, Set, Solar! for Nonprofits.

Going solar helps nonprofits save money on their energy bills that they can reinvest in their communities. Edge High School’s solar installation is saving them an estimated $1,112 per month. That’s $146,313 in savings over the next 20 years! Through solar, nonprofits can take part in the energy transition, reduce their own carbon footprint, and be an example for others interested in producing their own clean energy.

“With the money we save by going solar, we can invest even more in what truly matters: our students’ educations,” said Rob Pecharich, Principal of Edge High School. “Our panels will also serve as a teaching tool about the role of clean energy in our community.”

Want to help a nonprofit in your community access solar? Reach out.