Current Status and Issues of Introducing Solar Power Generation Equipment to School Facilities

Toward the Realization of a “Decarbonized Society”

Abstract

To achieve the national goal of realizing a "decarbonized society" by 2050, schools are expected to further introduce solar power generation. Nevertheless, decarbonization has not been discussed as a research topic in education. Therefore, this paper attempts to present a new direction for research.

The introduction of photovoltaic power generation in schools has various meanings. In the past, the use of it as a teaching material for environmental education and for disaster prevention were the focus of attention. However, with the acceleration of the decarbonization trend, a concrete path to the realization of Net Zero Energy Buildings (ZEB) has been added, and there is now a need to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in a more substantial way.

Currently, while a certain degree of diffusion has been observed in terms of the number of schools that have introduced such systems, the majority of these systems have small capacities. In addition, the percentage of systems equipped with storage batteries is low. Therefore, there are still many issues to be addressed in terms of contributing to decarbonization.

The introduction of larger-scale facilities such as advanced examples of Yokohama City is required and consequently will create new relationships with local communities. This will become a new research topic for academic societies for education.