From classroom to kilowatt
Youth-led Solar
Project development of a PV system
A school- or class-wide project in which teenagers take the energy transition into their own hands: Together they plan, finance and implement a real photovoltaic system of approx. 10 kWp on their school or in their youth center building.
This project transforms teenagers into real solar project managers. It's not just about putting solar panels on roofs. While many educational programs on renewable energy merely explain how photovoltaics work, this program empowers teenagers to implement a real solar project themselves. In this way, theoretical knowledge is transformed into concrete infrastructure, and at the same time, the very "green skills" needed for effective climate protection and a sustainable future are developed.
The initiative is based on the Solarbildung teaching unit "Project Development of a Photovoltaic System." This lesson can be conducted and discussed directly in class. At the same time, it can, if desired, serve as the starting point for a comprehensive school-wide project in which students from different classes and grade levels take on the planning and implementation of a real solar power system.
Why this project
Many educational programs explain how photovoltaics works.
This project goes a crucial step further: Teenagers develop and implement a real solar project themselves.
This is how theory becomes real infrastructure – and students acquire “green skills” competencies that are urgently needed for the energy transition:
-
Project based learning
-
Technology and energy industry
-
Financing and Business Case
-
Communication and participation
-
Teamwork and entrepreneurship
At the same time, a common problem is addressed: Many teenagers feel powerless in the face of the challenges of climate change. When they implement a real-world project themselves, this powerlessness transforms into competence and self-empowerment.
Funding via ChangeX (for selected countries)
Schools from currently five countries can apply for the project via the ChangeX platform:
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Costa Rica
• Brazil
If a project is selected, the school will receive:
1. Financing
-
80% of the costs of the solar system are covered by the sponsor ServiceNow.
-
Approximately 20% is financed through local activities of the students (e.g. fundraising, sponsors, events)
2. Support from us, Solarbildung, with:
-
Teaching materials
-
Pre-Kick-Off Seminar (online)
-
Support via email and calls
-
Help with technical and organizational questions
Fundraising is a deliberate part of the project: it strengthens ownership, motivation and community participation.
The project is also possible without ChangeX
The program is not limited to ChangeX funding. Any school or youth group can start the project.
-
with the teaching unit “Project development of a PV system”
-
with their own local financing options
The model can therefore be implemented in any country and will be rolled out internationally in the future.
Who is this project suitable for?
This project is suitable for:
-
Schools
-
Youth centers
-
Vocational training institutions
-
Educational initiatives
Requirements:
-
a dedicated teacher or project manager
-
a group of young people (from about 12 years old)
-
a suitable roof or area (approx. 50–80 m²)
-
Willingness to accompany a project over several months
The project itself is implemented by the school or the young people, with expert guidance from solar education. Prior knowledge of solar energy is not required.
Project progress
The project follows a clear structure based on real solar projects.
Note: This is an illustration of one possible group division. Others are possible.
1. Analyze solar potential
The students are checking:
-
Roof orientation and shading
-
electricity consumption of the school
-
technical and legal framework
They learn how to prepare a real energy project.
3. Secure permits and funding
The young people present their project:
-
before school management or sponsor
-
at local authorities
-
in funding programs or sponsors
At the same time, they are organizing fundraising for their own contribution.
2. Plan the project
The project group develops a complete project plan:
-
System sizing (approx. 10 kWp)
-
Obtain quotes from installation companies
-
Calculate profitability
-
Determine CO₂ savings
-
Define roles and schedule
4. Implement the installation
After approval and funding:
-
Collaboration with installation companies
-
Communication with the school community
-
Installation support
-
ceremonial commissioning of the plant
5. Make the effect visible
After installation:
-
Monitoring of electricity production
-
Communication of results
-
possible reinvestment of surpluses in further climate measures
The plant will produce clean energy for 25+ years.
Practical example - Schlehdorf pilot project
One example comes from the St. Immaculata secondary school in Schlehdorf .
There, several classes analyzed the school's electricity needs, examined the roof, and developed a complete solar project – including a cost-benefit analysis and a presentation to decision-makers.
The students took on roles in:
-
Technical planning
-
financing
-
communication
Thus, a lesson became a real energy project.
"Inspired by the experiments with the science kit and the lesson 'Project Development of a PV System' from Solarbildung, we are now getting our school's photovoltaic project off the ground. From a lesson plan that was initially met with some hesitation, the students are now developing 'their own thing' with complete initiative, which they have aptly named 'School under Power' themselves."
Manfred Gödel
Project manager teacher
St. Immaculate Secondary School
Start now
If you are a teacher or youth leader and are considering implementing this project:
The first step is simple:
Start with the teaching unit “ Project development of a photovoltaic system ” and/or apply on the ChangeX Platform .
Even a single lesson can be the start of a project that will change your school and the mindset of your students/teenagers in the long term.
