Henrico County Students Tour High School’s Solar Array

We had a few flurries before our most recent educational event with Henrico County Public Schools. But this surprise served as a great example of how solar panels depend only on light (not heat) to generate electricity.

Students toured Tucker High School's 1.15 MWdc rooftop array.

Almost 50 Henrico County students, who are currently enrolled in energy classes at the Academy of Environmental Science and Sustainability, took a field trip to Tucker High School to tour the schools' 1.15 MWdc rooftop array (containing over 2,500 mudules). Students also had the opportunity to talk to other Sun Tribe professionals about solar careers and even build mini solar circuits.

Students explored a wide array of solar energy jobs.

Representatives from Sun Tribe shared their perspectives on careers in renewable energy.

As the event concluded, students shared reflections about what they learned. Their responses were as varied as the complex solar industry itself, ranging from surprise at the spectrum of solar careers (“I didn’t realize I could be an Environmental Lawyer”) to technical take-aways like “I learned that the angle of the solar panels matters a lot.” Hearing from these students makes us hopeful - and reminds us why we do what we do!

NOTE: Madison Energy Infrastructure acquired Sun Tribe Solar in April 2024. The team remains dedicated to continuing - and growing - the reach and impact of Solar Empowered Schools.