Charlottesville City Schools is taking a strong step toward sustainability with the addition of 2 MW of solar capacity across two school: Charlottesville High School and Charlottesville Middle School. Together, these systems will generate approximately 3.84 million kWh annually, reducing carbon emissions and supporting long-term energy savings. Beyond environmental benefits, this initiative secures stable electricity rates for 25 years and integrates renewable energy into the educational experience.

The projects are financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Madison Energy Infrastructure, meaning no upfront cost for the schools and no maintenance responsibilities. The schools simply purchase the clean energy produced onsite: a win-win for sustainability and fiscal responsibility.

To celebrate this partnership and spark curiosity, Solar Empowered Schools teamed up with an8th-grade engineering class at Charlottesville Middle School for a hands-on solar circuit challenge. Students experimented with the same technology that will soon power their school, connecting theory to real-world applications. This event showcased how renewable energy projects can inspire STEM learning, foster innovation, and build excitement while the systems are under development. In partnership with Solar Empowered Schools, Charlottesville is demonstrating that these are more than infrastructure projects - they are opportunities to empower students to envision a cleaner future.