nick.nigro@atlaspolicy.com

Suniva, a U.S. solar manufacturer, has resumed production at its Norcross, Georgia factory. Having filed for bankruptcy in 2017, the company is leveraging incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act to restart operations. This move aims to help build a robust domestic solar supply chain in the U.S., which has been dominated by low-cost imports. Suniva is producing and shipping American-made solar cells, with plans to reach a production capacity of about one gigawatt per year.

Through a generous partnership with Elmer A. Henderson: A Johns Hopkins Partnership School (Henderson-Hopkins), an innovative K-8 public contract school located in East Baltimore, Maryland, the nonprofit Climate Access Fund is developing a community solar project, Solar4Us @ Henderson-Hopkins, on the school’s rooftop to benefit low-income households in the area. The project expects to provide 175 qualified low-income households with discounted solar power, to offer paid apprenticeships and contracts to local residents and firms, and to partner with the school to educate students and their families about solar.

Seattle Public Schools is implementing geothermal HVAC systems to achieve its goal of becoming fossil-free by 2040. These systems, first introduced in 2006, now heat and cool nearly a third of the district's buildings. A new geothermal system at Kimball Elementary demonstrates how underground wells maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. The district’s climate efforts were recently recognized at a White House summit, and they expect a $7.5 million IRS reimbursement for geothermal projects. The initiative is both environmentally sustainable and financially beneficial.

Biloxi Public Schools is launching Mississippi's largest electric school bus fleet with 29 new electric buses, funded by a $11.45 million EPA Clean Bus grant. The project, set to roll out by 2025, will replace the district’s oldest buses and aims to reduce fuel and maintenance costs, saving the district over $6 million in the long run. The new electric buses will also improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, benefiting both students and the community. Mississippi Power and Schneider Electric are key partners, supporting infrastructure development and energy efficiency efforts. This initiative highlights the district’s commitment to sustainability and modernizing transportation.

The United States Department of Agriculture is giving more than $5 million to seven clean-energy projects in Kansas. Among the beneficiaries is White’s Kingco Incorporated, a rural grocer receiving $500,000 for a solar energy project that’d provide enough energy to power 60 homes. The USDA-funded project is to work with the cities of Kingman and Lindsborg to establish solar power at the stores.

The Inflation Reduction Act has enabled a Kentucky grocer to invest in solar energy, significantly reducing electricity costs. The store installed a 143kW solar array and a 60kWh battery, funded partly by a REAP grant. This investment is expected to save the store $15,000 annually, helping to keep it operational in a low-income community. The project highlights how federal incentives can support rural businesses in adopting clean energy solutions.

The Yolo County Office of Education (YCOE) will become the first County Office of Education in the U.S. to operate an independent solar and storage microgrid, emphasizing sustainability and resilience. This project is expected to provide uninterrupted power, educational opportunities, and save over $7 million in 20 years. It is also among the first to utilize federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, reflecting YCOE's commitment to integrating sustainability into its core educational mission.

Boise Airport is now fully powered by clean energy, thanks to a new partnership with Idaho Power. The airport is enrolled in Idaho Power’s "Green Power" program, which sources electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar. This transition makes the airport one of the first in the country to achieve 100% clean energy status. The move is part of broader efforts by the airport to reduce its carbon footprint and support sustainable practices. Officials hope this initiative will set an example for other airports and businesses seeking to adopt cleaner energy solutions.

Modesto City Schools was recognized nationally for its solar power initiatives, particularly for the installation of solar panels at parking lots and adding electric buses to its fleet. These efforts are expected to offset 60% of the district's current electricity costs. The district's director of sustainability, Gilbert Blue Feather Rosas, highlighted the importance of sustainable energy at a White House summit, urging other districts to adopt similar clean energy solutions. This initiative is part of the district's broader commitment to reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

Plymouth Community Schools have installed solar panels at Riverside Intermediate and Washington Discovery Academy, allowing them to partially power their buildings with solar energy. This initiative aims to reduce the district's carbon footprint and save on energy costs. The project was funded through a $5 million bond, with approximately $1 million allocated for solar installations. Despite cloudy days, the schools continue to save money by storing unused energy. The district's leadership emphasizes the importance of environmental consciousness in managing their extensive facilities.