Charlottesville Schools Approve Major Solar Project

New 1.3MW solar system to offset 59% of high school's electricity use

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in earthy tones of green, blue, and gold, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex solar energy system installed at Charlottesville High School.A bold, abstract visualization of the new solar energy system powering Charlottesville High School, a landmark project in the city's transition to renewable power.Charlottesville Today

Charlottesville City Schools and the city have approved a major new solar energy project that will install a 1.318 MWdc solar system at Charlottesville High School. Once operational, the system is expected to generate approximately 1,738,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year, offsetting an estimated 59% of the high school's total annual electricity use.

Why it matters

The project reflects Charlottesville's robust climate goals and commitment to pursuing renewable energy solutions for its public buildings. By installing solar on the high school's roof, the city and school district are taking a significant step towards reducing their carbon footprint and achieving their sustainability targets.

The details

The solar project will be installed under a power purchase agreement, where a third-party developer owns and operates the system while the school district purchases the electricity output. The high school recently had its roof replaced, providing an ideal opportunity to add the new solar array. The middle school will also receive a solar system as part of its upcoming renovation and addition project.

  • The solar project has been in development for over a decade.
  • The high school's roof replacement was recently completed, enabling the solar installation.
  • The middle school solar system will be added as part of its upcoming renovation and addition project.

The players

Charlottesville City Schools

The local public school district that is partnering with the city on the solar project.

City of Charlottesville

The local municipal government that is collaborating with the school district on the solar initiative as part of its broader climate and sustainability goals.

Madison Energy Infrastructure

The Virginia-headquartered company that is serving as the project partner, installing and operating the solar system.

Kristel Riddervold

The director of the Office of Sustainability for the City of Charlottesville, who is overseeing the solar project.

Lisa Larson-Torres

The chair of the Charlottesville School Board, who is celebrating the project as a major climate action milestone.

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What they’re saying

“One of the ways in which we can achieve and pursue those goals is by installing renewable energy systems on our buildings. The challenge is you need really large roofs and the right kind of roof, meaning new and robust buildings, to do it right.”

— Kristel Riddervold, Director of the Office of Sustainability, City of Charlottesville

“We are grateful to all partners who helped bring this major climate action milestone to fruition and excited to be part of Charlottesville's continued and critical progress toward a more sustainable future.”

— Lisa Larson-Torres, School Board Chair, Charlottesville City Schools

“Charlottesville City Schools and the City of Charlottesville have set a powerful example of public sector leadership — driving $2.3 million in avoided costs over 25 years and making a significant leap toward their sustainability goals. We're proud to be trusted as their partner, and to bring hands-on STEM education into the classrooms where some of our own children learn. This project hits close to home, in the best way.”

— Meghan Milo, Director, Madison Energy Infrastructure

What’s next

The middle school solar system will be added as part of its upcoming renovation and addition project.

The takeaway

This solar project demonstrates Charlottesville's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, setting an example for other communities looking to reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs through innovative public-private partnerships.