January 04, 2017
Savannah Technical College to participate in Solar for Schools Program
GEFA awards $233,000 grant for students to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in the solar industry.
Georgia is well on its way to becoming a national leader in solar energy. To help support this growing industry, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) created an educational program for students to gain hands-on knowledge in solar power. The Solar for Schools Program will provide students the opportunity to enter the workforce specializing in electrical applications of installing, inspecting, and repairing solar panels.
Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) was selected to participate in the program and received a $233,000 matching grant, which includes $35,000 in student scholarships. Savannah Tech students will use the knowledge they acquire in the classroom and apply it to installing solar projects on their campus, including:
- One 15 kilowatt (kW) fixed roof mount,
- One 38 kW, fixed roof mount,
- One 3-seat, solar covered table with electrical connections, and
- One solar covered bus stop with electrical connections.
In addition to the classroom knowledge and hands-on experience, the students will develop marketing initiatives, record and edit a video case study, and increase interest about the benefits of solar power in local K-12 schools, colleges, and the business and investor communities.
Gaining this knowledge will give Savannah Tech students a unique opportunity to be one of the top solar installation professionals in the state.