In 2008, 10 school districts received the donation and free installation of a 1 kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system that converts sunlight into electricity. Included in the package is an online monitoring tool that provides real-time data on the system’s generation and the amount of electricity generated. In 2009, 15 school districts received the installation, teacher training, and classroom resources. In 2010, 8 new school districts joined the TXU Energy Solar Academy. In 2011, the TXU Energy Solar Academy will add more school districts and provide schools with opportunities for training and classroom resources.

The system is an educational demonstration at the school site and generates electricity while the sun is up. The school receives solar generated electricity (likely between 1,400 kWh and 2,200 kWh per year) for many years to come. The data acquisition system monitors the generation of solar electricity in real time and displays it on the internet for all teachers, students and their families to use in classroom lessons and activities. The TXU Energy Solar Academy school districts compare and contrast their data with other districts in Texas and across the United States.

The PV system consists of three parts: The data collection system, the inverter, and the solar panels.