In 2016, Queen of the Rosary applied for a small scale solar school installation grant through Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation that would support the installation of a 1 kW photovoltaic (PV) system for the school. After being turned down initially, the school applied again in 2017 and learned in April that the school was approved for a $6,700.00 grant. In addition to the grant, a donor provided the 10% that the school needed to begin work on our educational photovoltaic project.

Criteria for the grant included the following:

• be a school that provides continuous educational services to K-12 students
• have taken steps to make the facility energy efficient    
• have a suitable site for installation and operation   
• co-fund 10%  of the system installation costs   
• hold a “Solarbration” and make a commitment to teach about solar energy in the classroom   
• commit to educating the community about solar and renewable energy   
• agree to implement online monitoring of system performance via the Illinois Solar School/Illinois Wind Schools website   

Working with Earth Wind & Solar Energy LLC and Mr. Ellefson, a suitable site was located.  The installation took place on a sunny day that turned into a very wet and rainy evening.  The 1 kW photovoltaic (PV) system is now located just above door 7, the kitchen door, and is close to our Outdoor Early Childhood Classroom.  
Data Link: https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/YhyQ1329198
Our school’s Solarbration is scheduled to take place in Spring 2018.