Solar Power Research Trip and DC Pilot Project
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In 2013, Ben Pryde, a GWU sophomore, built a solar-powered table on one of the campus plazas. It was useful, occasionally—it could charge a few dead cellphones. Yet, the impact it created—in the university, in DC, in the DMV area—was unprecedented. Local universities began ambitious solar energy programs, spearheaded by GWU and AU. They also launched plans for green community impact. It was a miracle: solar power was brought to the households. Residential sustainability, previously a rarity for a non-desert American climate (due to relatively low RoI and lagging solar photovoltaic (PV) cell technology), now became commonplace in DC.
Yet, while, with more efficient PV solar cells, residential solar power became more systematized, the effect on democratization was anything but positive. Disparities multiplied. Underserved, gentrified districts obtained little local institutional support. Household solar power split the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots, the privileged and the minorities.
We are two St. Albans School juniors who want to close this gap. Our idea lies in localization. Unfortunately, most green universities are still enclosed in the bubble of rich neighborhoods and sealed off to the underprivileged, as is, by extension, their local sustainability impact. Yet, if we “solarize” local schools, churches, and community centers, the impact will be more direct—in any neighborhood.
To carry out our plan, we must begin with research. In June, we will travel to the greenest municipalities (and major solar farms) in California, Nevada, and Texas that successfully closed the residential solar gap. There, we will ask, listen, and learn. Meanwhile, we also plan to visit green campuses in the DMV area to learn about how such an initiative could be applied in a local context. Applying what we learned, we aspire to launch a solar program at our local school. If that endeavor proves successful, we will move to the final phase of our project—a pilot solar program for local schools, small businesses, churches, community centers (you name it!) partnered with local solar contractors.
All the funding generously donated will be used for: 1. Travel expenses (mostly plane tickets and lodging); 2. A solar sustainability program at the National Cathedral Close; and 3. The local pilot program.
Think about it—sustainability travels in steps. And, one day, we strive that a solar table on a playground of an underserved community preschool will create the next generation of solar leaders, thinkers, and innovators. And, one day, a leader will provide solar roofs to every household—a small step to the future. The giant leap would have been made. The giant leap would have been the small kid sitting at that small solar table.
Thank you for your consideration and support to make the earth a bit greener and green energy a bit sunnier!
With gratitude,
Peter Donets and Tendai Ball
Yet, while, with more efficient PV solar cells, residential solar power became more systematized, the effect on democratization was anything but positive. Disparities multiplied. Underserved, gentrified districts obtained little local institutional support. Household solar power split the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots, the privileged and the minorities.
We are two St. Albans School juniors who want to close this gap. Our idea lies in localization. Unfortunately, most green universities are still enclosed in the bubble of rich neighborhoods and sealed off to the underprivileged, as is, by extension, their local sustainability impact. Yet, if we “solarize” local schools, churches, and community centers, the impact will be more direct—in any neighborhood.
To carry out our plan, we must begin with research. In June, we will travel to the greenest municipalities (and major solar farms) in California, Nevada, and Texas that successfully closed the residential solar gap. There, we will ask, listen, and learn. Meanwhile, we also plan to visit green campuses in the DMV area to learn about how such an initiative could be applied in a local context. Applying what we learned, we aspire to launch a solar program at our local school. If that endeavor proves successful, we will move to the final phase of our project—a pilot solar program for local schools, small businesses, churches, community centers (you name it!) partnered with local solar contractors.
All the funding generously donated will be used for: 1. Travel expenses (mostly plane tickets and lodging); 2. A solar sustainability program at the National Cathedral Close; and 3. The local pilot program.
Think about it—sustainability travels in steps. And, one day, we strive that a solar table on a playground of an underserved community preschool will create the next generation of solar leaders, thinkers, and innovators. And, one day, a leader will provide solar roofs to every household—a small step to the future. The giant leap would have been made. The giant leap would have been the small kid sitting at that small solar table.
Thank you for your consideration and support to make the earth a bit greener and green energy a bit sunnier!
With gratitude,
Peter Donets and Tendai Ball
Co-organisers (2)
Peter Donets
Organiser
Washington D.C., DC
Galina Orlova
Beneficiary
Tendai Ball
Co-organiser