Solar Energy in US Schools: A Growing Trend
The Rise of Solar Energy in US Schools
As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, a growing number of schools in the United States are adopting solar power to alleviate budget pressure and reduce their carbon footprint. According to a report from Generation180, over 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy is now installed at nearly 9,000 schools across the country.
A Cost-Effective Solution for Schools
Energy costs are second only to teacher salaries in terms of expense for US schools, with an annual expenditure of more than $6 billion. Solar power presents a cost-effective solution for these institutions, often at little or no upfront cost, freeing up funds for more educational benefits. By signing a power purchase agreement (PPA), schools can buy the electricity produced by the solar installation for 10 to 25 years at a discounted rate.
The PPA Route: A Popular Choice Among Schools
About 80% of schools opt for the PPA route, while around 12% choose direct ownership via cash, loan, or bond. Generation180 reported that about 8% own the system through grants, government funds, or private donations.
A Decade of Growth in School Solar Capacity
Generation180 has tracked school solar data since 2014. Over the ten-year span of the report, solar capacity at schools has more than quadrupled from 422 megawatts (MW) to 1,814 MW. The average system size has grown about 50% from 134 kilowatts (kW) to 202 kW.
The Falling Installation Price: A Key Factor in School Solar Adoption
Between 2014 and 2024, the cost to install solar dropped by 40%. This significant reduction in installation price has made going solar an affordable option for more schools. As Generation180 noted,