Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is pleased to launch the sixth year of the PG&E Solar Schools program. This program helps schools in the PG&E service area access resources to enhance the classroom experience, teach students about solar power and energy resources and receive the training necessary to teach about solar energy in the classroom. 

Bright Ideas Grant Opportunities - Deadline for Fall Submission is September 20, 2010 - Online application

This program is funded by a grant from PG&E.  In partnership with NEED and the Foundation for Environmental Education, PG&E has developed a program that assists local public schools with energy resources, energy project grants, and supports local teachers with a specialized curriculum-all at no cost to the school. Program components include:

School Solar Installations

Over 120 schools have received the PG&E "Solar on a Stick" photovoltaic installations.  Web-based data allows schools worldwide to learn about solar from these systems.  The Foundation for Environmental Education works with schools to make their installation project a great success. 

 Teacher Workshops

PG&E provides funding to allow teachers to attend PG&E Solar Schools workshops and to receive NEED classroom kits and curriculum. These one-day workshops provide instruction and background to teachers, allow for networking, and prepare participants to return to their classrooms with the tools and knowledge to teach about solar energy and other energy sources and topics as well. 

The PG&E Solar Schools Guide has lessons and research activities for schools to utilize the solar installations near them and throughout the PG&E Solar Schools network.

School Grants

Bright Ideas Grant Opportunities - Deadline for Fall Submission is September 20, 2010 -  Online application
PG&E recognizes that public schools are facing hard economic times. This is why the company has expanded its Bright Ideas Grant Program to include new categories that will provide additional learning opportunities for students and teachers while creating energy and money saving programs for school campuses throughout northern and central California. Credentialed teachers, professors, instructors, principals, deans, department heads, district administrators and facilities managers may apply to receive $1000, $2,500, $5000, or $10,000 grants to promote environmental stewardship in any of the five following categories.