Woodward Academy, a private pre-K-12 school in Atlanta, Georgia, is likely the first K-12 school in the country to install solar canopies over athletic facilities. The 47.7-kW canopy system at the Sutherland Family Softball Complex was built by Cherry Street Energy and joins two other solar systems on the Woodward campus.
“The addition of these new solar canopies is much more than an energy project — it’s a statement about the future we want for our students,” said Dr. Chris Freer, President of Woodward Academy. “By investing in renewable energy, we’re showing that innovation and community values can come together to create a sustainable, welcoming environment for our fans while modeling responsible use of our resources for our students.”
Amanda Chanin, co-founder of Cherry Street Energy, is a 2001 graduate of Woodward Academy. “It’s wonderful to see Woodward Academy, a place close to my heart, take an exciting and student-focused approach to bring solar to the campus through its partnership with Cherry Street,” she said.
Woodward signed a 20-year PPA with Cherry Street Energy, which also financed, designed, installed and will own and maintain the solar canopy system along with additional rooftop installations across Woodward’s campus. The complete portfolio will provide a 25% annual energy offset.
“K-12 schools represent a growing market with high interest in solar energy,” said Michael Chanin, co-founder and CEO of Cherry Street Energy. “Woodward is leading by example, demonstrating effective energy management to other schools around Metro Atlanta while creating learning opportunities that students can directly observe every day.”
News item from Cherry Street