NC GreenPower Solar+ Schools
Eligibility
K-12 public and private schools in North Carolina are eligible. Selected schools receive free solar panel installations and access to real-time solar energy data for classroom use. Priority is given to schools that demonstrate a commitment to integrating solar energy into STEM curriculum. Schools should have adequate roof or ground space for panel installation.
Program Goals
NC GreenPower's Solar+ Schools program installs solar panels at North Carolina schools at no cost and provides teachers with curriculum tools to use real-time solar energy data in STEM and science classes. Since 2015, the program has equipped more than 95 schools in 50 counties with solar installations and classroom energy education resources. The program builds environmental literacy and STEM skills while reducing school energy costs.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
NC GreenPower selects schools through an annual cohort process. Schools apply or are nominated, and selections are made based on site suitability and curriculum integration commitment. The selection cycle timing varies. Contact NC GreenPower directly or monitor their website for current cohort announcements.
Cycle Notes
NC GreenPower selects Solar+ School cohorts annually. More than 95 schools have participated since 2015. The next cohort selection timeline is not yet published. Monitor ncgreenpower.org for current announcements and how to express interest in the program.
Grant Award Amount
Solar+ Schools is an in-kind grant — selected schools receive free solar panel installations and classroom energy education curriculum at no cost. Schools do not receive a cash award. The energy and educational value of the installation is the primary benefit.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — energy and environmental monitoring paired with solar panel data
- micro:bit Starter Kit — data logging and STEM investigations using real-time solar energy data
- Smart Hydroponics Kit — sustainable systems education aligned to solar and clean energy programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for NC GreenPower Solar+ Schools?
K-12 public and private schools in NC are eligible. Priority is given to schools with site suitability for panels and a commitment to integrating solar energy into STEM curriculum.
How much funding is available through Solar+ Schools?
Solar+ Schools is an in-kind grant providing free solar panel installation and curriculum support, not a cash award. The value depends on the size of the installation.
Can Solar+ Schools support STEM and coding tools?
Yes. The Solar+ Schools program pairs well with hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum that help students analyze and visualize real-time solar energy data. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do North Carolina schools apply for Solar+ Schools?
Monitor the NC GreenPower website at ncgreenpower.org for cohort announcements. Contact NC GreenPower directly to express interest in the program for your school.
How can Forward Education help with Solar+ Schools?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for North Carolina schools. Our STEM kits integrate directly with solar energy education. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — North Carolina standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more North Carolina funding resources
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