On the Sunny Side

A new foundation has shot onto the alternative-energy scene like a solar flare. SunPower Foundation, launched last week by SunPower Corp., a maker of solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, will focus on solar-energy education to cultivate a new generation of leaders in solar energy around the world, according to a SunPower press release.

Its first endeavor? The 100 People Under the Sun program, a partnership with the 100 People Foundation, which designed curricula that directs students to investigate the daily use of solar energy in their communities. The program includes a video series, which is available on the Internet. So far, 140 schools in 39 countries are using the lesson plans, and the videos have been viewed 11,000 times.

According to SunPower CEO Tom Werner, "We established the SunPower Foundation to 'give back' through education and building stronger communities. It is our hope that the Foundation will encourage more people to consider how the electricity they use is generated, and the global potential of reliable, emission-free solar power to reduce the effects of climate change."

The foundation is working with many partners, including Winrock International, Solar Electric Light Fund, Black Rock Solar, GRID Alternatives and American African Nuru Foundation. You can keep up with the new organization on Twitter or Facebook.

Photo courtesy of stock.xchng