PG&E announces 2008 solar school and 'Bright Ideas' grant winners

As part of its continuing effort to bring solar power to the classroom, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has unveiled 25 California schools selected to participate in the 2008 solar schools program. Each school will receive a 1.3 kilowatt solar generation system, valued at $25,000. PG&E also announced the 9 schools chosen to receive up to $5,000 in "Bright Ideas" grants for their innovative solar science projects.

PG&E said it was honored to join the San Francisco Academy of Sciences in this effort. As the lead sponsor in the partnership, PG&E looks forward to collaborating with the Academy during the next four years to further inform Californians on environmental sustainability. The partnership will also contain an education module on climate change and steps individuals can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

"We are proud to be a part of the education of our future leaders on how they can make real contributions in the advancement of renewable energy and the fight against global climate change," said Ms Ophelia Basgal, vice president of civic partnerships and community initiatives at PG&E. "These students are the future scientists of clean energy. The dedication and interest in science demonstrated by their teachers and schools, is inspiring", she added.

This year's winners will be honored at a special teacher training and awards banquet hosted by PG&E at the newly renovated California Academy of Sciences building in San Francisco. 

The PG&E Solar Schools Program includes installation of photovoltaic systems in public schools, a solar-based curriculum training package, workshops for teachers, and "Bright Ideas" grants awarded to innovative solar science projects in classrooms. Each photovoltaic system generates 1.3 kilowatts, or enough electricity to provide for the power needs of an entire classroom. Since its inception in 2004, PG&E shareholders have contributed $6 million to this program. With more than 125 schools participating throughout PG&E's Northern and Central California service area, the program has trained more than 2,000 teachers, benefiting almost 100,000 students.

PG&E's award-winning Solar Schools Program has been recognized for teaching the value of renewable energy. It has been awarded the Interstate Renewable Energy Council's IREC Annual Innovation award, named "Education Innovator of the Year" by the San Francisco Business Times and received the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award, California's highest and most prestigious environmental honor. 

PG&E has a long history of making charitable grants tailored to the wide variety of needs of the communities it serves. The company's broader program of support to communities includes cash grants, in-kind contributions, and volunteers for community-based nonprofit organizations, and for schools and other governmental programs throughout Northern and Central California.

For additional information:

www.pge.com