This fall, members of the SOLV Energy and Primergy Solar teams had the opportunity to get out into the communities surrounding the Ash Creek solar project in Hill County, Texas. As part of a collaborative school transformation project with Heart of America, Abbott and Penelope Independent School Districts (ISD) welcomed upgrades to their learning and playing spaces. 

At Abbott ISD, SOLV and Primergy volunteers unpacked all new equipment for the K-12 school's science lab, made the playground a little safer by spreading more than 20,000 pounds of mulch, and assembled hygiene kits for students.

Abbott ISD's new and improved science lab now includes a Good Energy cart where students can learn about renewable energy, career opportunities in the solar industry, and the nearby Ash Creek project. This cart also includes Goal Zero solar panels and a battery that offer a firsthand opportunity to see how solar energy works. 

“At SOLV, we say that 'good energy has a ripple effect,'” said Tom Payne, SOLV’s Assistant Project Manager at Ash Creek. “Together with Primergy we made splash in Abbott and Penelope. I'm grateful for the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on a community that has been so welcoming to us."

"Strong schools serve as community hubs, fostering connection and engagement among residents and that ensuring students have the opportunity to thrive," said Chris Morris, Primergy's Senior Director of Development. "Through our partnership with SOLV, we've built meaningful relationships at Abbott and Penelope ISDs and demonstrated the lasting investments projects like Ash Creek Solar offer the surrounding communities."

At Penelope, the Primergy team led efforts to modernize the district's gym and library, which includes its own Good Energy corner. Afterward, partners and students were joined by staff from Representative Jake Ellzey's (TX-6) office to learn about and celebrate the refreshed spaces.

Watch the video to learn more about the collaborative school transformation project at Abbott ISD