A Brighter Future: Solar for Schools

Article Takeaways

• Solar energy helps schools save money, reduce emissions, and model sustainability for students.
• Nearly 9,000 U.S. schools already use solar power systems, with that number continuing to grow as costs decline.
• Solar panels provide hands-on STEAM learning opportunities at schools through real-world data and sustainability education.
• The seven-step solar process ensures safe, efficient systems are installed to meet each school’s energy needs.
• Schools can choose from various financing and grant options, making solar projects accessible without upfront capital.

Solar energy has long been touted for its environmental impact and quick return on investment. Solar panels for schools are a popular choice for several reasons.

Did you know that nearly 6 million U.S. students attend a school that uses solar power? As of 2023, almost 9,000 American schools have solar energy systems. This number is expected to continue increasing rapidly as solar panel efficiencies improve and manufacturing costs decline.

Installing solar panels at your school may seem straightforward, but it’s natural to have questions about how solar power works in K–12 settings. In this article, we will address common questions regarding solar panels.

What Is the Benefit of Solar Energy for Schools?

A fundamental reason solar power initiatives are successful in K-12 schools and universities is the wide range of benefits they offer to stakeholders. School communities benefit from reduced utility bill costs and a contribution to their sustainability initiatives. Additionally, students gain access to diverse educational opportunities, teaching them more about sustainability, data analysis, and hands-on STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).

How Much Does Solar Power Cost?

The most common benefit associated with solar power systems is the opportunity to save money and energy. The recent decline in installation prices, along with increasing electricity costs, can make solar power options one of the most cost-effective ways to save energy in a school. The costs of solar energy technology can vary by state and the availability of incentive programs. When calculating the costs, it is essential to factor in materials, installation, system size, permitting, and electrical grid connection.

The cost of a small demonstration solar system (1 to 5 kW) could range from $3,000 to $30,000, which would cover roughly 200 square feet of panel space. In contrast, a larger system designed to cover a significant portion of the school’s energy could cost millions of dollars. A system of this size would have panels covering several acres of land.

Are Solar Panels Always Installed on the Roof?

Several factors are considered when designing a solar system and determining the optimal location for installing the panels. The most critical factor is that school solar panels should be positioned to face south, maximizing the amount of sunlight collected. If the school has a pitched roof that does not face the south, solar PV systems are still viable; however, their performance will be slightly less with a southeast or southwest-facing system.

If suitable land is available, it is beneficial to install ground-mounted solar panels in an open space. Ground mount systems tend to be less expensive and produce more power.

Solar awnings are also an option for providing shade in the parking lot, but they are more costly than both roof and ground mounting options.

How Does the Solar Process Work?

From beginning to end, the solar process requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates energy usage trends, electricity consumption, and a thorough understanding of the facility for which it is designed. The solar system chosen must meet the school’s current and future financial and energy needs.

From an owner’s perspective, the timeline below walks through the seven basic steps of the solar energy process.

1. Complete a solar assessment to determine if this option is a viable solution for your school.
2. Work with experts to design a solar system tailored to your facility’s needs.
3. Gain financial and system approvals before installation can commence.
4. Install your school’s solar PV system facing the south.
5. Ensure the panels are interconnected, linking the new solar energy system to the local electric utility grid.
6. Complete commissioning, which includes final testing and verification to ensure the panels operate correctly.
7. Monitor your school’s ongoing energy production and cost savings.

How Does Solar Power Work?

The photovoltaic (PV) cells in solar panels utilize particles of light to dislodge electrons from atoms, generating an electric current. The resulting current of electricity then flows through a device called an inverter, which enables power to be transferred to the building.

When the school’s power demand exceeds the solar system’s production, the building continues to use electricity from the utility.  At the end of the billing cycle, the school’s electric bill reflects the total energy consumed, minus the electricity generated by the solar system. The sum of these two calculations is called net metering. Grid-connected systems typically operate via a net metering agreement with the local utility. The owner either receives credit towards their next electric bill or a payment is made for excess power produced by the solar panels.

It’s important to note that each state varies in the rules governing how clients are credited for excess generation.

View more of our solar power projects here.

What Are the Financing Options for Solar Projects?

Schools essentially have two possibilities for paying for their solar systems: direct or third-party ownership. Direct ownership makes sense if the school can raise the capital to pay for the system. Third-party ownership involves a developer or group of investors who own the system and sell the power generated to the school for a set period of time, typically 15-25 years. Performance Services supports both options.

In many states, numerous solar options do not require up-front capital. These include bonds, financial loans, equipment leasing, or third-party financing. Including solar in a guaranteed energy savings contract is also an option.

Are There Grants for Solar Education in Classrooms?

A public owner’s desire to implement sustainable and “green” practices can serve as a catalyst to pursue renewable energy sources, such as a solar power initiative. With school solar systems, students are able to see firsthand how sunlight is converted into electricity. Students can play a powerful role in a school’s sustainable projects.

Both utility-grade and demonstration installations can be integrated into a school’s STEAM programs. There is an abundance of excellent training resources for the classroom, such as the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project. Performance Services is pleased to provide classroom grants to help fund K-12 curriculum and classroom learning kits for our utility-grade solar installations.

Take a look at several other helpful classroom resources:

• The US Department of Energy (DOE) has an Energy Education Program that includes a database of lesson plans, labs, projects, and other activities for all K-12 grades.
• The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) is a great general resource with a library of independent reports about renewable energy in the U.S.
• The US DOE also has a website devoted to the basics of renewable energy technologies.

Is Solar Power for Universities and Schools a Smart Choice?

Yes! For years, utility bills have been an inevitable expense. Solar power for schools is now a viable renewable option for reducing electricity costs and putting educational facilities back in control of their utility bills. These benefits can be even greater when combined with a guaranteed energy savings project that tracks, measures, and ensures the performance of energy savings.

Understanding the production and consumption of a facility’s energy usage will help maximize solar power’s energy savings and support K-12 schools and higher education to truly shine.