The Olmsted County Solar Initiative aims to install solar panels at Mayo High School through community fundraising efforts. The 6kW photovoltaic system would offset carbon emissions and educate students on green energy. Funding would come from donations from high schools, local businesses, foundations and community members. Over 30 years, the solar panels are expected to generate 183,000 kWh of energy and offset 3,660,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, while educating generations of students.

1. THE OLMSTED COUNTY SOLAR INITIATIVE The next generation taking the first step.

2. About OCSolar Coalition of students from Olmsted County High Schools working closely with local businesses and the community at large. We collaborate together to overcome the prohibitive initial costs of solar energy. Our Mission: To cut CO2 emissions and increase awareness of green energy through community funded solar.

3. Approx. Global energy consumption Gas Hydro Renew Total: 13.2 TW U.S.: 3.2 TW (96 Quads)

4. What needs to happen… Renewable resources will not play a large role in primary power generation until: Technological/cost breakthroughs are achieved, or Carbon taxes are introduced Massive investment decreases the cost of production

5. Why Solar Power? Our system will be a 6kW Photovoltaic system. Studies show that our part of Minnesota receives as much sunlight on a yearly basis as Florida, Texas and other Southern States. The solar panels are guaranteed over the next 30 years, and are also maintenance free.

6. Solar Power Continued Each minute enough sunlight reaches the Earth ’ s surface to meet the world ’ s energy demand for an entire year. . A solar power system ties into your current utility connection, turning your electric meter backwards when the sun shines

7. Mayo High School 2008 Project Details

10. Panels on this wall

11. Panels installed here

12. Mayo High School Site Highly visible installation Perfect southern facing wall Pay back period is less than 15 years with current energy prices. The energy output of the system will be tracked using a sunny web box

13. The benefits of green energy -The system is the equivalent of planting 617 trees. -The average home uses about 8,000 kWh\year -These calculations are done at current energy prices 1 st Year Lifetime (30yrs.) kWh 6,100 183,000 CO2 12,200 3,660,000 SO2 74 2,220 NO2 60 1,800 Money Saved $2,000 (at current prices) $60,000 (at current prices)

14. How we paid for the panels 1: Each High School will conduct a cash drive. Typical cash drive activities from the past include: 1. Setting out buckets for voluntary donations 2. Teachers agreeing to pie in the face, outrageous haircuts, ugly sweaters, etc. if their students raise enough money 3. Students who raise enough money get to compete in fun activities (twinkie eating contests, beard growing contests, etc.) 2: Collaboration with local businesses 3: Seek funding from foundations and service organizations 4: Appealing to individual community members

15. Science classrooms will use system to learn about green energy A website with a live feed of the panels power output will be available Generations of students will be exposed to the highly visible system Educational Impact

16. Sponsorship - $1,500 per panel Amount of donation What the donors receive $1,500-$4,499 -Recognition on a permanent plague by the MHS entrance -Representation of a solar panel digitized on our website displaying panel sponsors. When visitors click that part of website it will take them to your website. -Noted as a $1,500-$4,499 sponsor in all OCsolar publications $4,500-$11,999 -Noted as a $4,500-$11,999 sponsor in all OCsolar publications and displayed on front cover and home page of our website. -In all interviews your organization will be noted as a major sponsor $12,000+ -Your organization will be the official sponsor of the Olmsted County Solar Initiative – MHS Project and for the next thirty years (panel’s lifetime) your organization will be displayed next to the solar panels.

17. Our goal for the future $1,000,000 in total fundraising by September 1 st, 2009 Why we are doing this: A- At least 20 new 10 kW installations B- Educate 750,000 students over the next thirty years C- Make a significant change in the way Minnesotans think about green energy.

18. How we are going to raise $1 million $5 donation from every person in Minnesota. “ STOP TALKING, START DOING” Local individual project sponsors- $1,500 for a name on the system Corporate sponsors- $10,000 gets listed on our web site Push for a checkbox on energy bills for carbon offsets Official corporate solar sponsor

19. The future… In the processes of scheduling a Minnesota Energy Summit Starting a state-wide contest for high school matching grants Working with energy companies to ensure the sustainability of our project