Over the years, interest in energy has ebbed and flowed. While factors like energy cost will clearly continue to influence investments in efficiency and renewables, I believe the current upswing in activity marks a departure from what we’ve seen in the past. I think the interest in energy is far broader and deeper than in the past. I don’t think I’m just being optimistic when I say I think we’ve reached a new level of national awareness of and support for energy measures.A small case in point. The high school my oldest son attends — Hamilton High School , the largest high school in the Milwaukee Public School system — wants to put solar panels on the roof. That’s noteworthy in and of itself. But what makes it more interesting is that the impetus came from a teacher. What’s more, students have been involved in planning the project.That sort of popular support seems to me a clear sign that energy projects have a higher priority and are better positioned to win approval than in the past.The PV roof proposal still has several hurdles to clear before it gets the green light. But if the project does proceed, the idea is to use it as a teaching tool. If all goes well, I’ll be part of the committee developing the curriculum around the solar panels. I’ll keep you informed. Meanwhile, if you have any experience to share about using green school elements as teaching tools, let me know.