Renewable Energy Education: The Best Energy Investment Yet

Renewable energy topics are trending in classrooms around the world, but especially in the U.S. given the current push to bring students real-world and hands-on training and experiences in rapidly expanding clean energy industries. As energy workforce needs are expected to blossom in coming years, how are schools encouraging and equipping students for the brave new world of energy?  By integrating STEM disciplines - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - primary and secondary schools are providing their students the foundation needed to pursue careers in these growing and highly paid occupations, but many schools are also introducing project-based opportunities to pique and sustain student interest.

Often the best educational projects start with a real-world challenge and offer benefits that stretch beyond the classroom. This was exactly the case at North Fork Middle School in Quicksburg, VA earlier this year. When Superintendent Jeremy Raley issued the energy challenge, “What would it take to have a net-zero science lab at North Fork Middle School?,” sixth grade science teacher John Woods and his students stepped up to take on the task.

Once the initial research was done, the findings presented, and recommendations proposed for the design and construction of a classroom with zero reliance on the existing electric grid, the middle school team went to work putting their ideas into action. Solutions ranged from wind turbines to passive solar collectors to an energy efficiency plan—concepts all developed by the students themselves. With financial support from the Moore Educational Trust, the North Fork Middle School students have transitioned to real-life problem solving and are putting applications of alternative energy to work in their own school environment. 

Clean Energy Leaders of the Future

With middle and secondary schools laying a solid foundation, higher education takes the task of developing clean energy leaders of the future to another level by sponsoring challenges like Michigan State University’s 2015 Energy Innovation Awardand Student Solar Design Competition. Students from across the state of Michigan were invited to design cost-effective, energy-efficient and design-centric solar installations that could be integrated into a campus landscape. Top submissions combined art and science, and included a multi-colored solar street lamp, a solar gem biodome, a solar kiosk, and a window solar charger. The competition not only promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, but also connected students with industry experts, creating valuable experience and networking.  

Dr. Richard Lunt from MSU conducts a final judging round.

Photo credit: MSU Be Spartan Green Facebook page

The Untapped Potential of Solar Schools

In addition to the educational benefits of projects like those showcased here, school districts are increasingly recognizing the concrete and immediate value of their schools going solar as well. According to an article from the Clean Energy Collective, a nationwide study reports solar installations among U.S. schools have grown 110% year-over-year from 2008 to 2012, with thousands cutting their utility bills and using the savings to pay for teacher salaries and textbooks.

“Solar is enabling many Massachusetts schools to save money, enrich learning and keep teachers in the classroom – all while providing local jobs and generating emissions-free electricity,” said Andrea Luecke, President and Executive Director of The Solar Foundation.

At Drury High School in North Adams, Massachusetts for example, the school’s solar installation offset almost 140,000 of CO2 emissions in the first two years alone and saved the school enough money from reduced electricity costs to maintain all of its teachers and academic programs. The Solar Foundation has determined that there are 72,000 schools in the country that could go solar in a cost-efficient manner and therefore similarly benefit.

Challenges and competitions in the examples of North Fork Middle School and Michigan State University show that supporting projects within the educational system may be the most important investment in clean energy we can ever make. By putting the problems of building and integrating real-world energy solutions directly in the hands of students of all ages, we are not only stimulating valuable learning and shaping the career choices of the students involved, we are also contributing to the advancement of renewable energy innovation and facilitating clean energy transitions in the educational institutions themselves. What better way to bring a sustainable energy future into being that with our youth?

SunRunR Visits North Fork Middle School: Lessons in Sustainability

QUICKSBURG, VA  On January 15, 2016, 

representatives of SunRunR of Virginia, Inc. visited North Fork Middle School to demonstrate a solar generator to a 6^th grade science class.

This presentation, given by Scott and Jenny French (both owners of the company) was part of a renewable energy lesson the middle schoolers are currently studying.

6^th grade science teacher John Woods is passionate about teaching his students environmentally sustainable solutions. “We must think about how to live sustainably in our planetary ecosystem, find that equilibrium which sustains all life and nature, and live within that equilibrium,” says Woods.

Despite the cloudy day, students were able to use previously stored solar energy to power a microwave, speakers, and a microphone.

To showcase the true power of the generator, a microwave popped popcorn for the students. Upbeat music played as students exited the school, received a cup of popcorn, and prepared to listen to the solar generator presentation.

Mr. French answered questions the students had about the solar generator and panels, and shed more light on the technicalities and operations of it. Sunlight falls on the solar panel, which travels through the cells. From the cells, DC electricity flows to the battery before going to the inverter, which changes the DC electricity to appliance-friendly AC electricity. A typical SunRunR’s battery unit lasts anywhere from 5-10 years before requiring replacement to run another 5-10 years.  

In just 6 years, a gas generator making the same electricity daily would cost as much as one of these units, but 1500 gallons of gas would not have been burned and 60,000 lbs of CO2 would not have been emitted.  The time for return on investment (ROI) for the solar generator decreases when you incorporate renewable energy tax incentives and carbon credits.  Because grid power is relatively inexpensive in the US, the ROI comparison of solar generators to grid is unfortunately unfavorable at over 20 times the cost.

As a fun activity, a teacher plugged in speakers to the solar generator and played “Cupid Shuffle” and “Watch Me”. She encouraged students to join her, and soon a dance line appeared on the school’s lawn.

The students will monitor the loaned solar generator for the next month as part of their curriculum on renewable energy. “The SunRunR will be the alternative energy system that the students come to understand, put their hands on, set up, orient towards the sun, plug devices into, use to monitor and manage electrical production and demand, et al, all the while learning what alternative energy is, what it can do, and that it is the new normal,” says Woods.

Mr. Woods’ Net-Zero Science 6 Classroom grant has been recently approved, so the class will soon receive their very own SunRunRs. 

Partnerships in Action: Net-Zero Science Classroom Advances to Phase II

The advancement of renewable energy innovation is in the hands of 6^th grade students. And rightly so.  This past year, science teacher John Woods and his students at North Fork Middle School in Quicksburg, Virginia, have been implementing real-world energy solutions to develop a Net-Zero Science Classroom.  With financial support from the Moore Educational Trust and partnerships with SUNRNR and other local businesses and community-based organizations, the full vision of a Net-Zero Science Center is shining bright.

Phase I

The Net-Zero Science Center has a two phase implementation plan.  Phase I includes a Mini Instructional Alternative Energy System with the purpose of providing students a compact instructional off-grid ground-level system that can be explored and deployed each academic year.   A SUNRNR 110, ground mounted solar panels, and a ground deployed wind turbine were chosen to serve as the instructional components for investigating hands-on, real-life alternative energy applications.

Phase II

The second phase to reach Net-Zero includes the design and implementation of a Grid-Tie Alternative Energy System that will power the entire classroom via solar and wind.  The project recently received a boost with the donation of a 45-panel 3kW solar array.  The panels came from a decommissioned remote communications installation, and once the array is installed it is expected to fully power all the classroom’s lighting, computers, and devices. With this crucial donation, the project now enters Phase II and is seeking partnerships to accomplish the technical and design elements necessary for a fully operational Alternative Energy System and instructional space.

Innovation Begins with Questions

“What would it take to….?”  These young energy scientists at North Fork Middle School have embraced the challenge to reduce their school’s dependence on the conventional energy grid.  And by immersing themselves in problem-solving and building a network of advisors, this 6^th Grade classroom is fast becoming a model for engaging in alternative energy solutions.

Best of SunRunr 2016: A Year of Global Solutions

 

The three-person team behind SunRun of Virginia Inc., Alan Mattichak, Jenny French and Scott French. Photo courtesy Mark Rhodes and Virginia Business magazine.

In 2004, SunRunr began as a spark of an idea.  Now just twelve years later, our portable Solar + Storage generator systems are making a global impact.  From Virginia to the South Pacific, our systems are providing off-grid, supplemental, and backup power to homes and businesses.  2016 was a year that highlighted our three key passions: providing portable renewable energy solutions, championing discussions on energy issues and policy, and raising public awareness of sustainability and preparedness. 

Portable Renewable Energy Solutions

Photo credit Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

In the SunRunner Sphere Blog this past year, we shared how SunRunr owners around the world are Using the 4 Phases of Emergency Management to Weather a Power Outage. SunRunr owner, Andrew P., gave us a front row seat in this video he recorded as Hurricane Matthew tore through the Caribbean.  “Here we are in the middle of Hurricane Matthew,” Andrew reported. “But the good thing is that we have the SunRunr generator here giving us light, powering the refrigerator, and running some fans.”

In calmer but uniquely difficult waters, our partners Alternative Energy, Inc. incorporated a SunRunr generator within a custom, off-grid solar solution on the island nation of Palau. A fish hatchery powered by the sun is now up and running on the remote island.

Energy Issues and Policy

SunRunr’s Jenny French speaking at StartUpAfrica Conference.

In April, SunrRunr was invited to join a briefing at the White House with senior Administration officials, the White House Business Council and Business Forward.  The briefing included more than 50 business leaders from across the country, and discussions focused on the clean and renewable energy economy and the impacts of climate change on business, national security, human health, and the global economy.

September found SunRunr’s Jenny French at the 2016 StartUpAfrica Entrepreneurship Conference held at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. French spoke on a panel discussing “Entrepreneurship in Africa: Now and in the Future.”

SunRunr’s perspective was also called on in October with an invitation to participate in a small business roundtable with Cuban Ambassador José Ramón Cabañas. The event was organized by Virginia Exports and Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

Raising Awareness of Sustainability and Preparedness

SunRunr was nationally honored this year with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)  2016 Individual and Community Preparedness Award for Technological Innovation.  During an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., SunRunr and ten other awardees were recognized for our innovative practices and programs that contribute to making communities safer, better prepared, and more resilient.  During roundtable and breakout discussions with high-level officials, recipients were asked to share our success stories, lessons learned, and expertise.  The two-day event gave us a lot to reflect on as we look to the future.

One of our most gratifying highlights of 2016 has been to watch the development of the Net-Zero Science Classroom at North Fork Middle School in Quicksburg, Virginia.  In January, SunRunr visited the school to demonstrate a solar generator to John Woods’ 6th grade science class.  With financial support from the Moore Educational Trust and partnerships with local businesses and community-based organizations, the students are now implementing real-world energy solutions and have advanced to Phase II toward a Net-Zero Science Classroom.

In 2017, join our discussions on SunRunner Sphere Blog and on Facebook as we continue to bring you news and developments from around the world on Going Green, Sustainable Solar, & Practical Preparedness.

Small Company Strives to Lessen Negative Impacts of Disasters

SUNRNR of Virginia Inc. Touts Benefits of Innovative Technology and Education

During disasters and emergencies, whether natural or man-made, standard sources of electrical power (utility grid and fossil fuel supplies) are often lost or cut off, but critically needed for relief such as communications, power tools, water pumping and health clinic operations.

Technological innovations within the power supply field can lessen the negative impacts of power outages or fuel shortages, but only if the associated outreach is present for public awareness and understanding of the products and their usefulness during times of distress.

Why Preparedness Education is Important

SUNRNR (“Sun Runner”) of Virginia, Inc. manufactures a product useful before (mitigation), during (response) and after (recovery) such emergency-related lack of electrical power.  Our marketing and advertising inherently requires public education and the promotion of preparedness. Then, after purchasing, SunRunR system owners, both personal and commercial, are inherently better protected from the after-effects of a disaster and can also participate in the response and recovery.

How New Technology Can Lessen Emergency Impacts

The three-person team behind SUNRNR of Virginia Inc., Alan Mattichak, Jenny French and Scott French. Photo courtesy Mark Rhodes and Virginia Business magazine.

SunRunR units deliver high-output, high-capacity, stored renewable and/or grid power for use any time or any place electricity is required.  System features include plug-and-play simplicity; no noise, fossil fuels, or emissions; safe, rugged, long-life design; high-quality components; easy expandability; and superior company reputation in customer service and satisfaction.  Water-pumps, small construction sites, agribusiness, off-grid locations, disaster relief, alternative to gas generator disadvantages (fuel storage, spark, heat, maintenance), and blackout backup are examples of our proven market applications.

Renewable. Each SunRunR patented portable solar generator storage system combines a main unit for energy storage and output with a renewable energy source for energy generation. The included solar panels are the most commonly used generation source, but the unit may also be recharged by wind or water turbine, the grid, a gas generator, or even a bicycle. The SunRunR main unit consists of a steel chassis enclosing a rechargeable battery, a DC-to-AC inverter, a charge controller with display, a master disconnect on/off switch, an auxiliary power socket, accessible fuses, and quick-connect input/output and system expansion portals. It is the inverter’s voltage output, or lack thereof, that defines the SunRunR model – SUN110, SUN220, SUN240, SUNPWR.

Safe and clean. Emergency applications directly apply to one of our four markets and indirectly to the other three.  The Emergency Preparedness market can be small- or large-scale with small tending toward personal and community preparedness such as the residential or business consumer that simply wants electricity for short or intermittent power outages.  With consumption awareness and budgeting, units may be used sustainably and therefore, for longer-duration outages.  It is here where our product is potentially doing the most to reduce deaths from misuse of portable gas generators, whether by carbon monoxide poisoning or associated combustible fuel dangers.  Another aspect of our products’ benefits is exemplified by Hurricane Sandy’s situation where many had portable gas generators and fuel was available, but it was inaccessible since there was no power to pump it out of tanks.

Portable and flexible. Large-scale usage would be in terms of humanitarian aid – relief, response and recovery.  SunRunRs offer the best balance of generation, storage, and output specifications in the solar generator arena while maintaining portability.  Some of our videos and many of the testimonials of results and impacts below demonstrate a unit’s capabilities with respect to powering high-load equipment that might be needed for aid efforts.  Early on in the company’s life, we were invited to Ashbury International to give a presentation to a large group of emergency responders, managers and Red Cross, introducing SunRunRs as a sustainable option for in the field.  

PA Dealer, Alternative Energy, Inc, has Contractors use SUNRNR for Deck Restoration

Indirectly, the other three market sectors, Recreation, Commercial and Eco-conscious, have the advantage of inadvertently having an emergency power supply if needed when not being used for their originally-intended purpose. 

Making Preparedness a Priority

SUNRNR of Virginia, Inc. has been a proud National Preparedness Month Coalition member for many years and we promote NPM and America’s PrepareAthon, using the toolkits provided, at least twice a year through social media, our blog, newsletters, and press releases such as the examples included in the supplemental attachments.  We also exhibit where possible, including various “prepper”, hurricane week and home shows, thereby reaching more of the public with the message of preparedness and self-reliance.

Measuring the Results of Better Preparedness—The Human Element

Besides advocating preparedness, the efforts above have also increased SUNRNR’s visibility, leading to an invitation to an exportingroundtable at the White House and to being selected to participate in a trade mission focused on solutions for West Africa’s energy and water problems as described here. 

With the very limited resources of our small, young company, it has been a struggle to introduce a new product concept.  Even so, now over 400 people are better prepared in terms of backup emergency power and many more have been exposed to the idea.  With an increase in exposure and video materials, sales could grow to several hundred this year alone.

The impacts of our outreach and sales are best seen by way of the example testimonials below, including one from post-derecho Virginia.  System applications have included powering a health clinic in post-hurricane Bahamas and end-user sales in post-earthquake Japan.

Photo credit: Tribune242.com

A local high school sixth grade science teacher worked diligently to receive a grant for a SunRunR system.  The students will monitor the solar generator as part of their curriculum on renewable energy. “The SunRunR will be the alternative energy system that the students come to understand, put their hands on, set up, orient towards the sun, plug devices into, use to monitor and manage electrical production and demand, et al, all the while learning what alternative energy is, what it can do, and that it is the new normal,” says John Woods of North Fork Middle School.

“It is so reassuring knowing that as long as the sun shines, come hurricanes or grid outages, I will still be able to have power for the most important things.” – Wanda, customer of Alternative Energy, Inc, PA

“The SunRunR ran my fridge while the power was out, after the recent storms. Saved my bacon. I had recharged the scooter the afternoon of the storm and that almost completely drains the SunRunR. It was a challenge squeaking through until the power came back, but it worked. I certainly had everyone else beat. A fan and a fridge was a LOT during those few days." – Walter B, Roanoke, VA

“We CANNOT TELL YOU how pleased we are with solar rather than the gas generator!!!” – John and Michelle Z, NV

“Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy and am impressed with my New SUN110 … it’s power—for both continuous and surge demands, is most impressive.  I’ve had it running my computer, washing machine, and refrigerator all at the same time.  It did 4 loads of wash in one day and ran the refrigerator continuously for almost 20 hours on the same charge before shutting itself down.” – Gary B, FL

“We just got our power back on yesterday after nearly 5 days without. The SunRunR I purchased from you last year worked like a charm, keeping our freezer cold and running the well pump for water when we needed it.” – Bill G, Charlottesville, VA  (7/2012)

SUNRNR of Virginia, Inc is very proud of our product, mission and customer service reputation.  We will tell potential customers “no” before we will sell them a system that may not meet their expectations.  We know their investment in a SunRunR is an investment in themselves – a definite win-win situation.  As an added bonus, SUNRNR will create jobs and increase Virginia exports while customers are implicitly learning about electrical consumption.

NOTE: The above narrative was SUNRNR’s winning entry in the 2016 FEMA Individual & Community Preparedness Awards.