Solar for the Next Generation

Community Energy’s mission is to build a clean energy future.  Educating people about renewable energy is an important component of that mission.  With this in mind Ian Sneed, the manager of Community Energy’s on-site solar energy systems, accepted an invitation from the Souderton Charter School Collaborative in Pennsylvania to speak to their third and fourth graders about solar energy. 

The interactive presentation included a solar assessment of the school’s rooftop via Google Earth where the kids learned about orientation and pitch considerations of a solar site.  The impact of shade on a solar installation was demonstrated using a 20 watt solar panel connected to DC car fan.  The kids were able to turn, angle, and shade the panel to see the impact on the amount of electricity generated.

It was a beautiful, sunny day and the panel generated lots of power as well as “Ooos” and “Ahhs” from the Souderton kids!