LEARNING THE PV LESSON EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN CATALONIA (1999 - 2004)

摘要

Previous studies have shown the large potential for diffusion of the renewable energy culture by introducing solar systems in schools, not only due to an educational use of these systems, but also due to the large and rotatory nature of typical school communities, comprising students, teachers and other staff, parents and, to some extent, neighbours. Currently, there are more than 20,000 students, aged between 3 and 18 years old, that are attending one of the 42 public schools with PV grid-connected systems in Catalonia. This has been possible with the financial effort of different Administrations and, most especially, with the dedication of the schools themselves. This paper analyses the successes achieved over five years of experience, from 1999 to 2004, the key factors and determinant roles involved within 4 areas of performance: Health & Safety, Operation & Maintenance, Management and Educational Use. Also, the difficulties encountered are highlighted, with emphasis on the lack of effective communication between the actors involved and an unclear distribution of responsibilities, due to the parallel development of the grid-connection legal framework within the same years. Finally, several opportunities for improving the pedagogical use of the PV systems installed are suggested.