Innovative Solar, Infinite Possibilities

Aiming to achieve widespread solar usage across
school districts within the Austin Metropolitan Area

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THE TEAM

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May 16, 2024

Introductory Meeting

We held a meeting with the LTISD staff members that are in charge of facilities and construction for this district.

May 16, 2024

May 28, 2024

Solaris Meeting – South Congress

The Solaris team gathered at Austin Central Library to discuss and plan the future of the non-profit.

May 28, 2024

August 22, 2024

Solar Action Plan Presentation

We held another meeting with the LTISD staff members to further discuss the details of our solar initiative.

August 22, 2024

October 1, 2024

Solar Design Integration Meeting

Pfluger Architects and Native Solar representatives met with us to discuss the architectural design of the elementary school and the integration of solar panels within the design.

October 1, 2024

December 17, 2024

Educational Outreach Framework

Met with LTISD Facilities & Construction Department, Elementary School Curriculum & Instruction Director, and the Superintendent to explore opportunities for solar education to students.

December 17, 2024

January 30, 2025

STEM Curriculum Planning

We discussed outreach plans with the LTISD STEM Director of K-12, evaluating methods to tie activities and lessons to the student curriculum.

January 30, 2025

February 27, 2025

Solar Tour

Visited Homestead Oaks Apartments in South Austin to engage with sustainability professionals, learning critical information regarding solar panels and how they function.

February 27, 2025

May 13, 2025

Serene Hills Elementary

Made a visit to Serene Hills Elementary, teaching around 110 students about solar energy and creating solar oven pizza boxes as an interactive activity.

May 13, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Energy

Why is Solar Power Useful?

Solar power can be utilized as a cleaner, renewable energy source to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While upfront costs of installing solar panels seem high, solar is a great source of longer term saving by reduction of energy bills. As solar advances, becoming more effective and sustainable, organizations like us aim to make solar energy more accessible and affordable.

When Does Solar Power Work Best?

Solar power is most effective when the sun is shining directly on the panels, which occurs on sunny days with minimal clouds. During midday, when the sun peaks, and in regions close to the equator, solar panels run at their optimal performance. More solar energy is harnessed during summer because of long daylight hours. Though, solar panels still perform well under other conditions, but at a lower capacity.

Why is Solar Power Not Widely Used?

Solar power is often not used due to the high upfront cost of installation, which is why Solaris ATX works to make solar power more affordable for educational institutions. Solar panels also take a significant amount of space and often results in a considerable change in infrastructure. Although solar power is a powerful tool, oftentimes the challenges to install it deter many individuals and groups of people.

How is Solar Power Sustainable?

Unlike non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels, harnessing solar energy does not deplete natural resources or contribute to environmental damage. Solar power generates a minimum amount of pollution, with no harmful emissions or waste within the energy production process.

How Does Solar Power Work?

Solar power converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells are typically made of semiconductor materials like silicon, which absorb photons from sunlight. When sunlight hits the PV cells, it creates an electric current. This current is \directed through an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity into alternating current (AC).