More than 8,500 schools across the United States now use solar energy in some capacity. Since 2015, the number of schools using solar power has doubled, and overall, schools' solar power capacity has tripled.
School leaders are motivated to install solar panels for ecological reasons and to save costs, but solar energy can also provide many educational opportunities, says Tish Tablan, senior program director at Generation180, a clean energy nonprofit that track solar school data (as cited above), and is dedicated to bringing solar energy to all schools.
Although installing solar technology on a school building can be a significant undertaking, there are many resources for school leaders as they prepare for the process, Tablan says.
Here you will find everything educators need to know about solar energy in schools.
Why are schools turning to solar energy?
Solar energy is an important green initiative, but when schools install solar panels, it can often be more about the Benjamins than preserving the polar ice caps.
“The number one reason is usually cost savings,” says Tablan. “I think that's really what speaks directly to all schools because, as we know, schools are on a limited budget, so anywhere they can find some savings in operating costs, they can reinvest that money into learning students and teachers.”
He adds: “Energy is the second highest expense for schools after staffing. So when schools face budget shortfalls, they often look to cut teachers or cut teacher salaries, when they could be addressing their second largest budget expense, which is utility and energy bills.”
What about the desire for clean energy and educational benefits?
Of course, the positive impact of climate change is also a motivation for solar energy. “Students are talking about climate change, they are concerned about climate change, and they want to see their schools modeling the kind of future they want to see: one powered by clean energy and less dependent on fossil fuels,” Tablan said. says.
The presence of solar energy on the school grounds also powers lots of hands-on learning in schools across the country.
“One of the great benefits of having solar technology on site is that it is very easy to integrate into the curriculum to enhance STEM learning and also career and technical education,” says Tablan. “Teachers are using solar data to look at energy consumption in buildings and integrate that into some science and math, and they have very authentic learning opportunities where they can learn about what the school is actually doing and what are the ways that we can start reducing our energy consumption.”
My school is located in a cloudy region, does that mean solar energy is not feasible?
No, school leaders are often surprised at how effective solar energy can be even in regions that receive less sunlight.
“It's a common myth to think that the amount of sunlight you receive determines whether or not solar energy is applicable to your school,” says Tablan. “I say, 'Your attitude is more important than your latitude.'”
With a positive attitude, schools can often find an appropriate location for solar panels. Roofs are often ideal, and if your school's roof is more than 15 years old, you can include solar installation in your roof replacement plan, Tablan says.
What happens if my school cannot afford the initial costs?
The vast majority of schools that install solar panels do not pay any upfront costs.
“Nearly 90% of the solar capacity in the country’s K-12 schools is actually funded through a third-party ownership model, meaning a third party, such as a solar developer, is the one paying the costs.” initial installation of the equipment. ”says Tablan. “They own and maintain the system, and manage the entire system for the life of the agreement with them.”
For school leaders who do not want to enter into that type of agreement, schools are now eligible for the solar investment tax credit through the Inflation Reduction Act. This can pay for up to 60% of your solar program, says Tablan.
What are some resources for starting a solar school?
Generation180 has an easy-to-read format. guide to solar energy for schools. Additionally, the nonprofit organization provides data, maps and other resources for schools going solarincluding a help desk for solar schools.
“It's basically a knowledge base that we fill with frequently asked questions. 'How much solar energy do I need?' 'Is there a solar curriculum available that I can use in my classroom?'” says Tablan.
Another great resource for schools is Efficient and healthy schools Department of Energy program. “You can simply register on the website and one of their technical systems partners will contact you and guide you through the process,” says Tablan. The department can help you conduct solar feasibility studies and answer common questions about the process, such as “Should I start with energy efficiency first, rather than solar?”
“Those are the types of resources they can now offer for free to any public school in the country,” Tablan says.
Anything else I should know about solar energy?
Beyond consulting available resources on incorporating solar energy in schools, Tablan says public school leaders should start by consulting with their facilities principal and asking questions about the school's or district's needs, and whether Have you considered solar energy before and what the challenges might be.
“Because ultimately, of everyone in a school district, that person is going to be one of the key stakeholders in making this happen,” Tablan says. “They will be more familiar with the roof space they have, the land space, and they will typically be more familiar with and have access to utility bills.”
