Project development of a PV system
Youth-led Solar
From classroom to kilowatt
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.
FAQ - Questions and Answers
What is Youth-led Solar?
Youth-led Solar is a solar education initiative in which students plan, finance and implement a real photovoltaic system (approx. 10 kWp) on their school building or in their youth center – accompanied by teaching materials and professional support from solar education.
Who can participate in Youth-led Solar?
Schools, youth centers, clubs, vocational training institutions, and educational initiatives. Requirements: a dedicated teacher or project manager, a group of young people aged 12 and up, a suitable roof or area (approx. 50–80 m²), and the willingness to support the project over several months. Prior knowledge of solar energy is not required.
How is the project financed?
Through the ChangeX platform, sponsors such as ServiceNow, Google, and Microsoft cover 80% of the solar system costs in selected regions (approximately €14,000 for a 10 kWp system); the students finance about 20% through their own fundraising activities. The project is also feasible without ChangeX funding, using local financing options.
Funding via ChangeX (for selected countries)
Schools and youth associations from currently seven countries can apply via the ChangeX platform:
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Germany - from May 8th to June 19th - Sponsored by ServiceNow
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United Kingdom - from May 8th to June 19th - Sponsor ServiceNow
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Ireland - from May 8th to June 19th - Sponsored by ServiceNow
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Costa Rica - from May 8th to June 19th - Sponsored by ServiceNow
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Sweden, Dalarna County - from May 31st to Sep 18th - Sponsor: Google
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Austria, Linz-Land district - start September - Sponsor: Google
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South Korea , Busan - from June 4th to July 16th - Sponsor: Microsoft
Link to the application page: https://www.changex.org/de/youth-led-solar
If a project is selected, the school will receive:
1. Financing
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80% of the costs of the solar system are covered by the sponsor (approx. 14,000 EUR for a 10kWp PV system)
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Approximately 20% is financed through local student activities (through fundraising campaigns)*
2. Teaching materials and support for solar education
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Lesson "Project development of a PV system"
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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.
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with the teaching unit “ Project development of a PV system ”
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with their own local financing options
The model can therefore be implemented in any country and will be rolled out internationally in the future.
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:
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Roof orientation and shading
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electricity consumption of the school
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technical and legal framework
They learn how to prepare a real energy project.
3. Secure permits and funding
The young people present their project:
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before school management or sponsor
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at local authorities
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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:
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System sizing (approx. 10 kWp)
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Obtain quotes from installation companies
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Calculate profitability
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Determine CO₂ savings
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Define roles and schedule
4. Implement the installation
After approval and funding:
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Collaboration with installation companies
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Communication with the school/club community
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The young people may accompany the installation or, on suitable roofs/terrain, carry out parts of the installation themselves.
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ceremonial commissioning of the plant
5. Make the effect visible
After installation:
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Monitoring of electricity production
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Communication of results
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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:
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Technical planning
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financing
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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
As part of their fundraising efforts, the students contacted the local and regional press. The project was covered in the Süddeutsche Zeitung , the Münchner Merkur , and the Gelbe Blatt .
Interdisciplinary Integration of the Youth-led Solar Project Across School Subjects and Grades
The table illustrates how the Youth-led Solar project can be integrated across multiple subjects and grade levels in a Bavarian secondary school. Core subjects like Physics, Mathematics, Geography, and Economics & Law are involved throughout, while others such as Chemistry, Art, and Politics & Society contribute at specific stages of the project. This highlights how project-based learning around a real solar installation brings Green Skills into the curriculum and connects technical, economic, and social learning in a practical, interdisciplinary way.
Start now
If you are a teacher or project manager and are considering implementing this project:
The first step is simple:
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Start with the lesson unit “ Project Development of a Photovoltaic System ” and/or
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Apply on ChangeX: https://www.changex.org/de/youth-led-solar
Even a single lesson can be the start of a project that will change your school and your students in the long term.
