The Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW), an all-girls public charter school, this week announced the completion of its latest sustainability initiative – the installation of a 300.3-kW solar system.

According to a news release, the initiative is one of the largest solar systems in New Hanover County and the largest on a school in eastern North Carolina. The project was completed in collaboration with Cape Fear Solar Systems.

The system includes 660 solar panels, which have been installed on three of GLOW's buildings, the release stated.

The installation was made possible by supporters of GLOW, with additional funding from the Duke Energy Solar Rebate Program and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Todd Godbey, CEO at GLOW, said in the release, "Not only will solar help us save money on our energy bills, but it will also provide a valuable learning opportunity for our students about the importance of sustainability and renewable energy." GLOW Academy plans to add solar energy to its curriculum and will utilize its solar panels to educate students.

The solar panel installation is expected to generate approximately 410,000 kWh of clean energy each year, which will help GLOW reduce its carbon emissions by over 639,000 lbs. annually.

"This is equivalent to removing 65 passenger vehicles from the road each year, powering 56.5 homes for the year, and planting 4,800 trees," the release stated. "Additionally, the system is expected to save nearly $33,000 in electric bill cost during the first year and $1,119,894 over the 25-year warrantied life of the solar panels installed by Cape Fear Solar Systems."

Robert Parker, chief operating officer at Cape Fear Solar Systems, said in the release, "As a local company, we are committed to helping our community transition towards a more sustainable future, and this solar power installation is a significant step in that direction."