Missouri Schools Going Solar

Summary

Missouri Schools Going Solar (MSGS) provides turn-key design and installation of photovoltaic arrays to Missouri K-12 schools that are electric customers of AmerenUE or Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L). The standard MSGS package includes the hardware and technical assistance to install an interconnected 1-kW pole-mounted array on school grounds. The estimated cost of the hardware with installation is $13,500 and will be procured by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center. Awarded schools may choose to “upgrade” the system but will be responsible for any costs above a standard MSGS package. The MSGS program also includes an energy-education program that provides information on system operation and maintenance and interdisciplinary curricular materials and teacher training. Eligible schools must provide a $2,500 cash match. MSGS recommends that this match be met through community fundraising to raise awareness of the project, but this is not a requirement. Applicants must have an interest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and the initiative to create a partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Center, their utility, and a local community. Missouri Schools Going Solar anticipates awarding PV arrays to a maximum of 18 schools over three years. MSGS anticipates awarding 3 schools in the KCP&L territory and 6 additional schools in the AmerenUE territory during award cycle 3. Deadlines for postmarked applications and award dates are as follows: Cycle 1: Friday, April 16, 2004 (postmark deadline); Friday, May 14, 2004 (award) Cycle 2: Friday, October 29, 2004 (postmark deadline); Tuesday, November 30, 2004 (award) Cycle 3: Monday, October 31, 2005 (postmark deadline); Wednesday, November 30, 2005 (award) In July 2005, Parkway Northeast Middle School became the first Missouri school to receive a PV system. The system is rated at 1,050 Watts and uses Shell 175 modules, a Sunny Boy 1800 inverter, and the Heliotronics Feynman Data Acquisition System. MSGS has awarded grants to install PV systems to nine Missouri schools and anticipates awarding PV systems to nine more schools this year.