First Solar Powered Charter School in the U.S.

The STAR School is unique in being the first solar-powered charter school in the U.S. No power lines come the the school, which is located on a rural area of Northern Arizona four miles from the Navajo Nation boundary. The school's solar powered facility was built along with our first building, and has been expanded as the school grows.

Mark and Kate Sorensen, the school Founders, have lived in the local area at their solar-powered ranch since 1990. Their personal experience with solar power proved to them that this could be an option for the STAR School. Many other families in this rural area also rely on the power of the sun.

All of the buildings on the campus are powered by an array of 32 panels which store electricity in 4 forklift batteries. The power is then inverted to supply regular 120 volt power for the entire school. We will upgrade our systems by adding more panels as our campus expands, to compensate for cloudy days and increased computers, food service and other school needs.

The STAR School stands as an example of solar power as a viable option for remote and rural schools and homes. The STAR School students study about solar power at all grade levels. They witness the power of the sun running our computers, lights, heaters, water pumps, evaporative coolers, refrigerators, food warmers, and indeed everything at the school.

Our 7th grade class won 1st place at the Navajo Nation Science Fair (Grades 6-12) with their project on constructing and testing solar electric cells. Our students have learned a lot about living with power from the sun!