Solar Energy Arrays

Climate Cycle has granted 13 solar installations to the following 11 Chicago area schools – 7 high schools and 4 elementary schools. These installations were made possible through the fundraising efforts of riders and generous support of sponsors such as Nike and the Motorola Foundation.

High Schools

Curie Metro High School

Address: 4959 South Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632

Live monitoring of Curie’s solar panels: click here

Awarded in 2012 - additional solar energy array of 6kW, taking the school from 6kW to 12kW.

Awarded in 2010 – additional solar energy array of 5kW, taking the school from 1kW to 6kW.

Curie’s dedication to the Clean. Energy. Movement. is unquestionable. In 2009 and 2010, nearly 150 riders and over 200 volunteers from Curie participated in Climate Cycle’s annual Ride to Recharge, and raised over $22,000 in the process.

Awarded in 2009 – 1kW installation

2009 was the first year Climate Cycle awarded grants for solar on schools. These schools are true pioneers, for igniting the renewable energy source of youth to take tangible climate action.

Lincoln Park High School

Address: 2001 North Orchard Street, Chicago, IL 60614

Live monitoring of Lincoln Park’s solar panels: click here.

Awarded in 2010 – 1 kW solar energy array

The Lincoln Park Lions came roaring onto the scene in 2010. 30 students and 10 teachers participated in the bike ride, and 23 students volunteered by cheering for the riders along the path. Their efforts landed them a 1 kW solar installation, complete with a data monitoring system. Additionally, they also secured a $2,500 Motorola Foundation grant that will be used to empower students in the Clean. Energy. Movement.

Lincoln Park’s leadership and desire to partner with other schools is illustrated here in an excerpt from their Green Schools Grant (formerly Solar Schools) application.

We at Lincoln Park High School would like to model ecologically sound practices as well as open the door for our students to become future leaders in the growing green economy. And, because of the nature of the Climate Cycle organization, we can do so in concert with other schools embarking on the same mission, with the support of an organization with a vested interest in our disseminating correct information in meaningful ways.

Lindblom Math and Science Academy

Address: 6130 South Wolcott Avenue, Chicago, IL 60636

Live monitoring of Lindblom’s solar panels: click here

Awarded in 2009 - 1 kW solar energy array

Francis Parker High School

Address: 330 West Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614

Live monitoring of Parker’s solar panels: click here

Awarded in 2011 - 1 kW solar energy array

Walter Payton College Prep

Address: 1034 North Wells, Chicago IL 60610

Live monitoring of Payton’s solar panels: click here.

Awarded in 2010 - 1 kW solar energy array

From 2010: Five teachers, two students, and ten volunteers along with a team of “virtual riders” from their Environmental Club forged the solar panel path for Walter Payton this year. Go Payton Green Grizzlies!

This excerpt from their Green Schools Grant (formerly Solar Schools) application shows their dedication to sharing solar knowledge across the world.

Walter Payton College Prep strives to provide opportunities for students for international travel and making global connections. During the 2009-2010 school year there have been six student international trips including France, Spain, Prague, Guatemala, Japan, and Eastern Europe. Through the relationships and connections made on these trips, Walter Payton College Prep will share our solar panel experiences and knowledge at a global level.

Perspectives/IIT Math & Science Academy

Address: 3663 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653

Awarded in 2009 - 1 kW solar energy array

Al Raby High School

Address: 3545 West Fulton Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60624

Live monitoring of Al Raby’s solar panels: click here.

Awarded in 2010 - 1 kW solar energy array

From 2010: Coming on the heels of a very successful environmental day this past March that included scores of student climate projects and appearance by Chevy Chase and Mayor Daley, Al Raby burst onto the Climate Cycle scene this year with seven student and five teacher riders along with eleven virtual fundraisers who raised money but did not ride.

This excerpt from Al Raby’s Green Schools Grant (formerly Solar Schools) application illustrates their commitment to instilling their students with a sense of citizen-based solutions to climate change.

It is our vision at Al Raby to be a ‘green school’, starting from the inside-out. First, to engage and educate students around conservation and climate issues in their school curriculum and afterschool programs. Then, to empower them to have an impact at their school level, by informing decisions, impacting facilities changes, behaviors and cultural changes at their school. Finally, to support them to carry the messages they have learned out to the community.