Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Renewable Energy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Local environmental groups urge school board to pursue solar panels and resilience hubs
Summary
Representatives of conservation groups urged the board to consider adopting solar energy across district facilities to save operating costs and add resiliency; a meeting at Norfolk Academy was offered as a resource.
A physician and environmental advocate urged the Hampton City School Board on Sept. 3 to consider a formal resolution supporting the adoption of solar energy systems at district facilities.
Dr. Nathan Golden spoke on behalf of Third Act Virginia, the Sierra Club and the League of Conservation Voters. Golden said multiple school districts in Virginia have realized substantial cost savings by installing solar arrays and that federal tax credits, grants and incentives could offset roughly 30% of project costs if projects are initiated. He noted Norfolk Academy as an example and also raised the potential resiliency benefits if solar arrays are coupled with energy storage, allowing sites to act as local energy hubs during emergencies.
Golden asked the board to take up a resolution supporting solar installations or to communicate interest in exploring projects; he offered a community meeting on Oct. 18 that will discuss starting no‑cost solar programs for school districts.
Board members did not act on the request during the meeting. The item was presented as a public comment and would need to follow the board’s agenda and deliberation process for policy or capital-project consideration.
