The Open Society Foundations Western Balkan pilot initiative, currently implemented in Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, aims to develop a model for engaging public schools, local governments, and communities in the energy transition efforts. This is achieved by building their capacity to produce and manage the production of clean/renewable energy using photovoltaic (PV) technology. The initiative includes developing photovoltaic (solar energy production) rooftops on public schools, enabling these schools to produce the electric energy they require, thus transforming them into climate-resilient and energy-neutral entities. Furthermore, an agreement signed with local governments allows schools to use the savings from their electricity bills to fund school needs, thereby mitigating public underfunding in education. The project aims to determine if green energy projects in schools can improve educational outcomes, increase parent engagement, and enhance trust in green energy solutions. Expected results include insights into the impact of PV investments on educational outcomes, school autonomy, stakeholder engagement, and trust in innovative energy production concepts.
The part of the project where SeConS is active includes conducting a quantitative baseline and mid-term evaluation in selected schools to assess the impact of PV technology on school characteristics, energy efficiency, economic indicators, and academic success.
Municipality Valjevo has been selected for investment, and 6 primary schools in the area have been equipped with solar panels. SeConS has been charged, as a member of the research consortium, with conducting baseline and mid-term evaluations on students, teachers, and parents in Valjevo.