Renewable energy has become vastly ingrained in the global energy mix as the world turns to cleaner, more reliable sources for powering homes and businesses. Solar energy, in particular, has been at the forefront of the renewable revolution, with photovoltaic (PV) rooftop panels and subsequent technologies found everywhere, from where you live and work to where you go to school.
Schools across the country have quickly realized the importance of adopting solar power to reduce their carbon footprints, save money and provide optimal learning opportunities for their students. Here’s why investing in solar-powered schools makes sense for enhancing education and the environment.
Solar-Powered Schools on the Rise
How many schools are there in your district? You’ll probably see one or more drawing electricity from PV panels in the near future if they aren’t already powered by solar.
According to a study by the nonprofit organization Generation180, one in nine students attend a K-12 school using solar energy. Within the last decade, U.S. solar-powered schools have quadrupled, with 800 schools installing PV systems during the 2022-2023 school year. Because of this renewable energy wave, Generation180 has determined the nation’s K-12 schools avert 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually.
Federal grants, programs and incentives have driven the adoption of solar power in the education sector. For instance, the government has helped offset the initial cost of solar arrays, enabling schools to install PV panels cheaply or at no cost. With continued support, more schools will have a chance to tap into a more sustainable energy infrastructure.
The Benefits of Solar-Powered Schools
Schools often bear the brunt of fiscal challenges, from budget cuts to reduced state funding. As a result, K-12 facilities may have difficulty maintaining campuses and struggle to provide equitable learning opportunities and student support. Here are four reasons solar power is a bright investment for schools in your area.
1. Cost Savings
U.S. schools spend over $6 billion on energy each year, more than on essential educational resources and curriculum materials. In the digital age, electronics usage in the classroom accounts for a large portion of these expenditures.
Solar power encourages lower electricity consumption, enabling schools to allocate savings toward more important things. For instance, they may invest in new ventilation systems, increase teacher salaries for greater retention, and be able to keep popular or necessary programs.
For example, Arizona’s Tuscon Unified School District hopes to save $43 million over two decades through renewable energy adoption. Meanwhile, the Batesville School District in Arkansas used its solar power savings to give its teachers $9,000-per-year raises.
2. Reliable Power
You likely know what it feels like to lose power during a major storm or grid failure. Now, imagine how disruptive outages can be to education. Solar-powered schools needn’t worry about such interruptions, as renewable energy decreases their reliance on the grid, delivering a more consistent electricity supply.
When coupled with battery storage, schools can store excess solar when they can no longer rely on sunlight. For instance, evening parent-teacher conferences or school sporting events could be powered by stored solar energy.
3. Lower Environmental Impact
The U.S. Energy Information Administration says K-12 and postsecondary schools emit approximately 72 million metric tons of CO2 in energy consumption annually, equal to 18 coal-fired power plants. Of course, this doesn’t include emissions from school transportation services.
Solar-powered schools help lower the education sector’s environmental impact by utilizing clean, renewable energy from the sun. In turn, schools can reduce their use of fossil fuels and, ultimately, greenhouse gas generation.
Some school districts are electrifying their bus fleets, too. In October 2024, New York City equipped 12 school buses with rooftop PV panels to replace diesel models at First Student’s Malta Street depot in Brooklyn. Parked buses using vehicle-to-grid technology will also reserve excess energy to sell to the district utilities whenever needed.
4. Educational Opportunities
Schools with solar power provide unique learning opportunities for students, giving them hands-on experience in understanding critical environmental issues and renewable energy innovations.
This science-forward curriculum encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills in addressing real-world issues, preparing students for a future of successful innovation and sustainability.
Schools Paving the Way to Solar Power Adoption
Many U.S. schools have already integrated solar power as a primary power source. Their decision to invest in renewables has rewarded them with the ability to provide better for their students, staff and campuses. Here are three schools paving the way to a solar-powered tomorrow.
Discover Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia
Discovery Elementary School opened in 2015, serving 650 pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade students. It was one of the East Coast’s first Zero Energy schools, functioning at 66% lower power use intensity than the district average.
The school hopes to achieve net-zero energy efficiency with its 1,700 PV rooftop panels, generating about 500 kilowatts of on-site clean power. The school district will then reinvest the savings from energy reduction for various educational purposes.
Richardsville Elementary School in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green’s Richardsville Elementary School was the first net-zero public school nationwide. Richardsville’s PV system generates 10% more energy than is needed for operations. The school sells the excess power to its local utility company and uses the savings for educational needs.
King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School in Cambridge, Massachusetts
The King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design v4 Platinum school in Massachusetts. Thanks to its 3,600 rooftop solar panels, it consumes 43% less power than other schools in the state and 70% less than the average U.S. school.
How Can You Help Fund Solar-Power Investments in Education?
You play a critical role in ensuring K-12 schools in your district gain access to clean, reliable and cost-effective energy. The initiative starts by raising the issue at board meetings, researching government grants and incentives for solar power projects, and submitting applications on behalf of the schools.
Because of the importance and benefits of solar-powered education, you may also be able to attain funding in the following ways:
- Ask local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups to donate money for PV panel installations.
- Raise money through crowdfunding campaigns, seeking donations from passionate parents, alums and community members.
- Ask larger corporations for sponsorships — many are eager to support renewable energy projects to meet environmental, social and governance goals.
- Host fundraising activities and events, such as auctions and walkathons.
These initiatives are straightforward but by no means ineffective. Your efforts can make a significant difference in implementing solar energy and sustainability in schools in your area.
An Investment in Solar is an Investment in Education
Solar-powered schools deliver much more than energy savings. They enable students to receive the best, uninterrupted and progressive education possible while divesting money appropriately into superior teachers and resources. Be a part of the change by bringing these eco-friendly options to your district.
