Stafford County Public Schools & Madison Energy Infrastructure Unveil Virginia's Largest School Solar Array

Madison Energy Infrastructure (MEI) and Stafford County Public Schools held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil Virginia's largest school solar array, located on North Stafford High School's rooftop. The ceremony included remarks from the Chief Economist for the Investing in America Cabinet at the White House, Dr. Heather Boushey, Virginia State Senators Tara Durant and Jeremy McPike, Stafford County Board of Supervisors member Dr. Pamela Yeung, and Stafford School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund.

"Yesterday's ribbon cutting marks an exciting step forward for our school and community. The installation of this rooftop solar array not only reduces our environmental footprint, but also serves as a powerful educational tool for our students," said Chris R. Fulmer, Acting Superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools. "Through this project, students are learning the real-world benefits of renewable energy and how it contributes to a sustainable future."

This 1.8-megawatt project, consisting of 3,300 solar panels, will save the school system an estimated $2.8 million in electric bills over the next 25 years due to the size and efficiency of the on-site generation from the solar rooftop array. The rooftop will also generate 54 million kilowatt hours of clean energy and offset 41,583 tons of CO2.

"It's an honor to partner with Stafford County Public Schools on this monumental project, with implications for school systems across Virginia as they look toward the future of clean energy," said Rich Allevi, Vice President of Energy Solutions with MEI. "We are grateful for systems like Stafford Schools that are prioritizing clean energy and as a result, savings to their school system and ongoing education for their students. This project at North Stafford High School will pave the way for a greener outlook while serving as an inspirational model for other school districts across the state and nation."

Installation of this project began in February of this year, and yesterday's ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marks the completion of the project.

"This rooftop solar array represents a significant milestone for our school division," said Maureen Siegmund, Stafford School Board Chair. "We are proud to be a part of this energy and cost savings project, while also providing our students with real-world educational opportunities to engage in this field at North Stafford High School."

In addition to savings for the school system, this project will provide students with continuous learning opportunities. Students will engage with MEI's Solar Empowered Schools curriculum, which integrates real-time data from the solar panels into energy and science lessons, providing invaluable insights into renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Students have already begun participation in MEI's interactive learning opportunities, including solar-empowered school modules and VR educational tours of the rooftop.

According to Dr. Pamela Yeung, who serves on the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, representing the  Garrisonville District, not only is this project significant for North Stafford High School, but for the entire county as well.

 "This project exemplifies how we can inspire environmental stewardship in our students and the broader community," Yeung said. "Together, we are shaping a more sustainable, environmentally conscious future for Stafford County."

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