Solar Energy Education
Project Summary
EOS has received funding (2023-2025) to help local schools go solar, create and offer renewable energy and energy efficiency activities and lesson plans, record educational videos, coordinate CARE Week, coordinate RenewablesNB, and offer a variety of free public webinars and workshops. Find out more about this project below.
The Importance of Energy Efficiency First
The first steps to going solar are to reduce or conserve energy (turn off lights, use less power and heat), and then ensure your building is as energy efficient as possible (well insulated, no drafts, use efficient appliances, etc.). You will need fewer solar panels and save money on installation if you start with energy conservation and efficiency. See the pyramid of home energy below.
Home Energy Efficiency Kits at Local Libraries
Are you interested in learning more about your household’s energy usage and exploring ways to reduce your energy consumption? EOS has put together 5 energy efficiency kits that are now available to borrow from the EOS office, as well as the Sackville, Dorchester, Port Elgin, Memramcook, and Dieppe public libraries!
This kit includes:
- Thermal imager with instructions and charger
- Draft detection flag
- Five-minute shower timer
- Flow meter bags
- Thermometer
- Kilowatt meter
- Instruction booklet
- Energy savings tips page
- Page detailing the contents of the kit, with ideas on how to use each item
Energy Lesson Plans and Activity Guides
Download these free guides or invite EOS to your school or summer camp today.
Energy and Solar Power Lesson Plans 2020-2021
Energy Use and Renewable Energy Activity Guide 2016
Electricity and Conservation Activity by Grey Hackett 2015
Explore Videos Celebrating Local Energy Efficiency and Solar Power Projects
Check out these examples of energy efficiency and solar power across the Tantramar-Strait Shores region of New Brunswick.
Solar Schools
Thanks to our generous funders, EOS is helping local schools in the Tantramar-Strait Shores region implement solar energy on their school grounds. In 2023, a 24 panel x 50 watt solar array was installed at the Port Elgin Regional School. This array powers the school’s greenhouse and allows it to be a functional year-round!
In March 2024, Marshview Middle School received a portable solar panel/battery pack they will creatively use to power a popcorn machine and make “solar popcorn” at school events! We look forward to reporting on this exciting venture more soon.
More schools will be benefitting from this project in 2024-2025!
RenewablesNB
Check out RenewablesNB for renewable energy case studies, an interactive provincial map, resource directory, government funding and incentives, etc.
Aster Group
EOS Eco-Energy and Aster Group collaborated on an energy poverty survey. Check out Energy Poverty Survey to view the organizations contacted, a sample survey, the results, and recommendations for moving forward.
CARE Week 2024
Check out our Youtube channel to watch the webinars from CARE Week 2024!
Events, Tours and Webinars
Check out the EOS Events Page to register for our upcoming events. You can also check out our Youtube channel, where you can watch past webinars we’ve hosted!
Project Reports
*Coming soon*
Project Funders
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund
- NB Regional Development Corporation
- Mount Allison Students Union Green Investment Fund
- Solar Schools Canada
Project Partners
- Port Elgin Regional School, Port Elgin, NB
- Marshview Middle School, Sackville, NB
- Renewables NB Network Members across New Brunswick