Location
Smyrna, TN
Project Size
10.8 kw System
Equipment Installed
Hanwha Q Cells 400W & 5 Discovery aes48v-7.4Wh backup batteries
Mounting Type
Roof Mount Metal
Embracing Sustainability with a New Solar-Powered Building
In 2020, Lauren Palmer began a school on her 400 acre USDA certified organic farm, Bloomsbury Farms located in Smyrna, Tennessee. The school began its journey with just five students, all under 10 years old, one of them being Palmer’s daughter, and one teacher.
Each year they added a few more kids and teachers all learning, playing, and growing in their small learning space on the property. Despite ample outdoor space, a more substantial and reliable building became imperative to support the growing student body.
The Solar-Powered School Initiative
In 2023, construction for the new school building began. Having long been interested in solar energy, Palmer decided that integrating solar technology into the new building design plan was a natural choice. This decision fit right in with the requirements of the USDA’s REAP grant, which Palmer planned to leverage.
Solar energy ensured compliance with the grant’s criteria and therefore was the most suitable and sustainable option for the school.When asking Palmer about the USDA grant application process she stated,
“I felt like I had a team of people helping me do it. Someone with Lightwave and then somebody with the state. It felt like double assisting and it’s been pretty easy so no complaints.”
Powering a School, Empowering Futures
In April 2024, the 10.8kW roof-mounted off-grid solar installation with 5 Discover battery backups was officially completed and the school building switched the power on.
Now the kids have an official building to learn, play, and grow in that is powered by the sun.
When talking about how right it felt deciding to go solar for the school building Palmer expressed that, “It feels extra good that we’re using nature power, because I feel like the kids are nature powered too.”
Now the farm school is educating over 98 students which is 84 families weekly and has employed 5 teachers. With this building these kids have a better place to house learning no matter the weather and gives the opportunity to even host community programs for more learning opportunities!
Support Bloomsbury Farms School
The school is a 501c3 nonprofit that is accepting donations to lower tuition and help provide learning material for the school and maintain our school garden. For those able to support their mission, donate here!
Ready to Go Solar?
Interested in a solar-powered home? The LightWave Solar team would love to help supply your home with cleaner electricity and protect you from power outages. Book a solar project consultation today.
