Woodward signed a 20-year energy agreement with Atlanta-based power company Cherry Street Energy, which financed, installed and will maintain the canopies, other systems for the school.
Atlanta, GA – Woodward Academy has become the first K-12 school in the country to provide solar power shading solutions over athletic facilities. The innovative canopy installations are located at the Sutherland Family Softball Complex.
"The addition of these new solar canopies is much more than an energy project—it’s a statement about the future we want for our students,” says Dr. Chris Freer, President of Woodward Academy. “By investing in renewable energy, we’re showing that innovation and community values can come together to create a sustainable, welcoming environment for our fans while modeling responsible use of our resources for our students."
The project, built by Atlanta-based Cherry Street Energy, who will also own and maintain the arrays, demonstrates how schools can enhance student and family experiences while advancing sustainability goals.
"Our partnership with Cherry Street Energy marks a transformative step in Woodward Academy's ongoing commitment to sustainability," said Lee Connor, Vice President for Operations and Auxiliary Services at Woodward Academy. "The solar canopy at the Sutherland Family Softball Complex is a particularly exciting addition, offering shade and comfort to families while generating clean energy. We're proud to be the first K-12 school in the country to implement a solar power shade solution over athletic facilities."
Amanda Chanin, Co-Founder of Cherry Street Energy, is a 2001 graduate of Woodward Academy. “It’s wonderful to see Woodward Academy, a place close to my heart, take an exciting and student-focused approach to bring solar to the campus through its partnership with Cherry Street,” she says.
Under its energy purchase agreement, Cherry Street financed, designed, installed, and will own and maintain the solar canopy system along with additional rooftop installations across Woodward's campus. The complete portfolio will provide a 25 percent annual energy offset, producing enough energy to power over 150 homes annually, and help Woodward avoid over 790 metric tons of carbon emissions each year.
"K-12 schools represent a growing market with high interest in solar energy," said Michael Chanin, Co-founder and CEO of Cherry Street Energy. "Woodward is leading by example, demonstrating effective energy management to other schools around Metro Atlanta while creating learning opportunities that students can directly observe every day."
Three systems have been energized to date, with the innovative canopy installation showcasing how educational institutions can integrate renewable energy technology with enhanced campus amenities.
About Cherry Street Energy
Cherry Street Energy is the Southeast’s leading provider of on-site solar power to commercial and institutional customers. The company designs, installs, owns and operates industry-leading solar power systems for private customers such as Delta Air Lines, Porsche Cars North America and Gulfstream Aviation, and local governments such as the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and City of Savannah. Because Cherry Street owns these systems and sells the power, customers gain access to reliable, predictable energy generation at market rates with no capital investment. Learn more at cherrystreet.com
Media Contact: Ben Smith (bsmith@cherrystreetenergy.com)
