School & Community Programs

Renewable energy education for everyone

BEF reinvests a portion of the net revenues from the sales of RECs and carbon offsets into our Solar 4R Schools program.  BEF’s solar schools program installs solar electric systems on schools and community centers across the country.

Schools that participate in BEF’s Solar 4R Schools program receive a solar electric system and educational materials free of charge. Students have online access to the solar system’s performance data and classroom activities from the nation’s best energy educators. To date, BEF has supported over 100 schools in 15 states and Washington D.C.

In certain instances, your company’s REC or offset purchase can direct funds toward supporting a Solar 4R Schools installation in your local community. Please contact us for more information about leveraging your purchase to support a project in your community.

Case Study: Breckenridge Elementary School

In addition to purchasing RECs, the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado, wanted to support a local project and educate members of the community about the importance of renewable energy.

As part of its REC purchase, Breckenridge is funding a Solar 4R Schools project at Breckenridge Elementary School. To help get this project off the ground, BEF enlisted the help of Broomfield, Colorado-based WhiteWave Foods Company to provide additional funds.

We are proud to announce that a 1.53 kW solar photovoltaic system has been installed on Breckenridge Elementary School. In addition to the solar panels on the school’s roof, the students of Breckenridge Elementary are able to take advantage of the hands-on classroom activities and science kits that are part of all Solar 4R Schools projects.