Albemarle County Public Schools to see solar power soon

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) — The Albemarle Architectural Review board has approved a motion for solar power in two county schools.

Albemarle High and Center Two just got the greenlight.

“We’re really excited to have gotten these approvals for these projects,” Albemarle County Public Schools Environmental Program Manager John Coles said. “We just really want to urge the committee to consider solar as a community value in Albemarle County.”

County schools are moving forward with solar panel projects at Albemarle High School and High School Center Two, both efforts were approved at a meeting on Tuesday afternoon, September 2. John Coles says years of push-back have lead to this moment.

“It was student and staff-led and it’s been in the works for a couple of years. We’re looking at ways to avoid having these roadblocks in the way,” Coles said.

Designers are already looking ahead to the installation process. The Albemarle High School will need more review Center Two’s roof is ready to go. Albemarle High School will need more review, to find the right spots for the panels.

“We have to be a little more creative to find places in the roof where it’s more suitable for solar,” Coles said.

Even with cost-efficiency at the top of mind, Jones hopes the health benefits will have long-lasting impacts for everyone involved.

“It’s a healthy resource to put in our schools. it speaks to our community and our students that we care about their health, futures and environment,” Coles said.

Coles says the goal is to have eighteen schools transition into solar. As of now, nine schools have it. Coles added the plan is to have center two and Albemarle High finished by spring latest.

Do you have a story idea? Send us your news tip here.

Copyright 2025 WVIR. All rights reserved.