Solar Energy Education

Berkeley EcoHouse is in our schools, teaching important elements of environmental living to the next generation. Our Solar Energy Curriculum has reached over 1500 students in Berkeley Schools. Students learn math skills to calculate seasonal sun angles, they design and build models of solar heated homes and learn to use photovoltaic solar panels to power music systems, toys, lights, and irrigation pumps.  One EcoHouse solar installation is at the King Edible School Yard. “Solarman” Hal Aronson has created solar technology kits and curriculum for teachers and a traveling photovoltaic power station that goes from school to school.

EcoHouse sponsors Youth Energy Services (YES), an exciting project that trains our high school students to perform energy audits in the homes of the disabled, seniors, and at homeless shelters, and then retrofit those homes for energy conservation. Our students have improved energy conservation at over 300 homes, resulting in huge energy and dollar savings.