Flanked by more than a dozen kindergarten students, the founder of SunShare, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the principal of Academy 360 public charter school have announced a new program to provide free solar energy to all families of children who attend the school.

"We are grateful to SunShare for helping us bring green, sustainable solar energy to our families. Not only are we contributing to a healthy environment, but every dollar that is saved on electricity is a dollar that families can spend on healthier foods, after school programs, books for their home, and other essential family needs," said Sally Sorte, principal of Academy 360.

"I want to commend SunShare for being a good community member and creating this program for the families of Academy 360," said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock.

"Here in Denver, our goal is to create livable communities, and that means helping to provide the opportunities residents need to inject sustainable practices into their daily lives. With Community Solar, not only can more people enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable solar energy, they'll see a reduction in their electricity bills as well."

"Through this donation, SunShare is honoring the spirit and intent of Colorado's landmark Community Solar law, and we could not find a better partner than Academy 360," said David Amster-Olszewski, founder of SunShare.

"This school and the innovative learning program is changing education for all students, just as Community Solar is changing the future of energy."

The school is also launching a fundraising program so that eventually all families could have their entire energy bill offset by free solar energy. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at academy360.org.

Under the program announced SunShare will provide free Community Solar energy from its Denver County Solar Garden. Groundbreaking on the Solar Garden is set for late this fall and families should begin seeing reductions in their bills by the early spring. In the coming months, SunShare employees will work with families to get them signed up so they can start receiving free solar energy as soon as the Solar Garden is online.