Why Help?

Solar panels and the accompanying systems are extraordinarily expensive. The high-costs of an initial installation mean that our environmentally-conscious and education-oriented project cannot be funded by the school administrations, despite the payoff through energy savings. Our initial, target goal is to be able to obtain at least $20,000 through individual contributions, corporate financial donations, discounts, and component donations. Without $20,000, we will not be able to put the initial system in place.

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Although installing solar panels at TJ has the obvious benefit of reducing energy costs for the school and thus freeing money for other educational purposes, there are also many other benefits. There is, of course, the ecological gain: a smaller carbon footprint for the school. In addition, the installation of solar panels at TJ could prove as a model and case study for schools across the Washington Metropolitan area. Additionally, the installation of solar panels would prevent blackouts at the school (TJ was hit with multiple blackouts last year alone, forcing the school to be shut down). Since TJ is a school for science and technology, the installation of solar panels is symbolic and fitting. Solar panels at TJ would allow for an expansion of educational opportunities and real-world study material for the specialized classes and research labs unique to TJ.

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A list of all donors (both private and corporate) will be published in a local newspaper at the end of this project, if possible. All donors will also be invited to the official ceremony celebrating the start of the use of the solar panels at TJ.

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Those donating at least $1,000 or items valued at $1,000 or more will have a customized plaque engraved with their names on an interactive donor wall at the end of the project. The donor wall will feature a touch-screen monitor for people to view the panels’ energy production, a history of the project, future goals for the project. This monitor will be integrated into a larger donor wall featuring all the names of donors contributing $1,000 or more.

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All donations are tax-deductible. If you would like to receive a receipt of your donation, please check the appropriate box on the donation form.

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Any aid for this project will result in tangible benefits for your business or corporation. The greatest benefit will come from the increased publicity that will inevitably result from a project of this type, proportion, and TJ’s reputation, whether through local media mediums or other media. An interactive, commemorative donor wall for donations greater than $1,000 in value will be installed at TJ in plain view, further promoting publicity. In addition, the names of all donors (both corporate and private) will be published in a local newspaper at the end of this project, if possible. A donation will also result in a bolstered public image, as your donation will be seen as not only in support of educational institutions, but as an environmentally-conscious donation. Thus, the reputation of your business will rise. Donations are tax-deductible, as they are to a public educational institution.