Philadelphia Solar Energy Association

About Philadelphia Solar Energy Association

The Philadelphia Solar Energy Association (PSEA), a nonprofit corporation established in 1980, is dedicated to public education and training to support the growth of solar energy across Pennsylvania. Incorporated as a tax exempt, 501 c-3 corporation in 1998, PSEA has been a volunteer-based, member-supported organization for more than 40 years, supporting educational programs and environmental literacy. PSEA’s goal is to deepen teachers’ and students’ understanding of solar energy and its role in mitigating climate change, engage them in practical real-world applications, help strengthen problem solving abilities, introduce them to solar jobs and careers and provide a robust set of learning resources they can continue to explore. Our current programs include:
• Junior Solar Sprint - PSEA has sponsored the Junior Solar Sprint every year since 1993. This environmental education and engagement program is open to all middle and junior high schools in the Philadelphia region. Hundreds of 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders design and build model solar cars, culminating in the Junior Solar Sprint race which is held in late May. PSEA partners with Drexel University and its Engineering Department to host the Sprint on its campus. The Engineering Department is the perfect partner for this project, as dozens of students volunteer to assist in the Teacher Trainings and on Race Day. They also give tours of the Engineering Department and Labs for students and families on Race Day.
• Solar Schools Toolkit - Produced for the PA DEP the Toolkit is designed to help schools go solar and save. It includes a sample RFP and two proformas, one for a Power Purchase Agreement and the other for Direct Ownership.
• Solar Toolkit for Nonprofits Due to dramatic changes to the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and other incentives, PSEA has updated and expanded this toolkit. It will be very helpful due to the dearth of accurate, clear information available.
• Curriculum Development and Teacher Training In response to requests from teachers, PSEA has developed solar curriculum for middle school. The SPRINTS (Solar Power Resource and Innovation for Teachers and Students) curriculum provides in-depth understanding of solar energy and its role in mitigating climate change. 5th and 6th grade curriculum has been written, aligned with the new PA STEELS standards, and PSEA works with schools across the region to incorporate it into their science curriculum.
Solar Kits, made from upcycled solar panels and a suite of Lesson Plans, deepen STEM education for middle and high schoolers.
• Public Education- PSEA provides workshops, webinars and other presentations to educate the public about renewable energy, climate change, and the clean energy economy. Sun Day, a large public solar celebration held at Love Park in Philadelphia, builds cooperation among dozens of organizations across the region and draws hundreds of participants,