With the recent installation of a 20-kilowatt rooftop solar array, the Middle College at UNC Greensboro took a significant leap toward sustainability and hands-on STEM education.
For the Middle College’s students and faculty, the solar panels offer them much more than clean energy. The installation includes a weather station and data monitoring equipment, so they can integrate real-time energy production and weather data into their classrooms. Students will read and interpret energy data, compare weather scenarios, and learn about the science behind renewable energy.
Harnessing the Sun
“This is going to be an exciting time for both the students and teachers at the Middle College,” says Thomas Hefner, a retired teacher of the Middle College who wrote the grant application and helped train other teachers to use them in curriculums. “From reducing the campus carbon footprint to saving tax dollars with a lower electricity bill for UNCG, what excites me the most is the multiple ways the teachers will be able to bring in the solar panels as part of the coursework across so many disciplines, and not just science classes.”
There are plenty of ways to bring all the data into Earth and Environmental classes,” says Hefner. “Physics has objectives involving the study of electricity. There is chemistry in the polymers. Outside of science, courses about budgets can look at real data to see how much electricity is being produced and how that changes during the changes of the seasons. Math classes involving geometry and trigonometry can examine the angle of the sun and how that affects electrical production. Spanish and Social Studies can look at how areas of the world without a reliable electrical grid can implement solar electrical production.”
Students shared their own excitement about the new addition for the new year, including the Go Green! club’s co-vice president Anuluck Nhouyvanisvong. “I think this project is a great step towards our school going green,” said Nhouyvanisvong. “As co-vice president of the “Go Green!” club here, “I really admire the school for trying to reduce their carbon footprint and hope this project inspires students to also do what they can to protect the earth no matter how small the action.”
The solar array is part of a statewide initiative by NC GreenPower to expand public knowledge and acceptance of cleaner energy technologies to all North Carolinians through local, community-based initiatives. The Middle College was one of nine North Carolina schools in 2024 to be awarded the construction funding for a 20-kilowatt solar installation.
I am proud of UNCG and the Middle College for taking the initiative to become more environmentally conscious, as this is vital for our future.
Arbree Ware, Middle College student
It is UNCG’s second solar panel array after the 34-kW installation on the Nursing Instructional Building. Electricity output depends on the climate and weather, but the two systems combined can produce enough electricity to power approximately a dozen homes a year in North Carolina. This new array is fully funded by the Solar+ Schools grant program, sponsored by the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation.
Partnerships for Sustainability
According to NC GreenPower, its recipients have saved more than $50,000 cumulatively in electricity expenses. More than 280 teachers and 62,000 students in North Carolina have participated in its Solar+ Schools’ STEM and solar curriculum training. As the installation powers on, it underscores UNCG’s commitment to sustainability, real-world impact, and creating new and innovative opportunities for all students.
“It’s exciting,” said Sean MacInnes, UNCG Sustainability specialist. “We’re very thankful to NC GreenPower and to NC Solar Now for their support in funding and installing the array, to Principal Brown and Thomas for their support, and our Facilities team, who were integral to managing the project with the State Construction Office.”
For homeowners nationwide who are curious about installing solar for their homes, UNCG’s Office of Sustainability is now collaborating with EnergySage to help UNCG employees, alumni, and community members compare offers for rooftop solar installations for their homes and businesses. EnergySage is a free, 100% online comparison-shopping marketplace that connects people with vetted local installers.
The solar panels on our building have made us more environmentally friendly and have made us feel more self-conscious that we treat our planet the best we can.
Hadia Rashid, Middle College student
MacInnes says the Office of Sustainability is also promoting solar panel opportunities for local homeowners. Duke Energy is currently offering a limited time “PowerPair” pilot program that provides up to a $9,000 rebate.
This means a lot to me because when I heard we were getting solar panels, I immediately thought of my former teacher Thomas Hefner, who always advocated for people to be more eco-conscious and for a more sustainable earth.
Barack Aduwa, Middle College student
We believe this change represents an important step toward an eco-friendlier UNCG and most importantly an eco-friendly world.
Genny Arocho, Middle College student
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
