Climate Action
Schools Empowering Education with the Sun
February 25, 2025
We’ve all heard that solar energy is great for the environment, but did you know it can do a whole lot more than just power up your light bulbs? Schools are quickly catching on to the many perks of adopting solar energy. Not only can solar panels save tons of cash on electricity bills, but they’re also a way to supercharge educational experiences and bring communities together. By turning those flat rooftops into energy-generating assets, schools can slash their energy costs and redirect those savings into things like new programs, better resources, and exciting learning opportunities.
Adding solar technology to the curriculum isn’t just about turning the lights on—it’s about teaching students how renewable energy works and why sustainability is a big deal for their future. It’s a win-win: schools get to lead the way in clean energy while also preparing students for the green workforce. Here are five schools that have seen the benefits of solar in their institutions:
1. Ashton Hayes Primary School, England
As part of the village’s commitment to carbon neutrality, Ashton Hayes Primary School has actively participated in renewable energy projects. In 2010, the school installed its first set of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof, funded by a £400,000 government grant from the Low Carbon Communities Challenge. This initial installation was followed by a second set of PV panels in 2016, arranged by the Ashton Hayes Community Energy Company (AHCEC). The new panels generate over 14 kW of green energy and save them more than £2500 per year, providing the school with a long-term supply of free electricity and contributing to the village’s overall carbon reduction efforts.
The solar panels at Ashton Hayes Primary School help generate a significant portion of the village’s energy, with the school contributing to the community’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 20%. Students actively participate in the renewable energy project, learning about energy-saving practices and electric vehicles. This hands-on involvement allows them to better understand environmental issues, with many students sharing this knowledge with their families and local community. The school has also reduced its carbon footprint by over 70%, serving as a model for sustainability.
2. Wildpoldsried, Germany
The village of Wildpoldsried in Bavaria has become a model for renewable energy integration, with local schools playing a significant role in this transformation. The community’s approach includes the installation of solar PV systems on nine municipal buildings, such as the primary school, recycling facility, and sports center.
The primary school’s solar panels contribute to the village’s impressive energy surplus, producing five times more energy than it consumes. This surplus is fed back into the grid, reinforcing the village’s commitment to sustainability. The school’s involvement in these initiatives provides students with practical exposure to renewable energy technologies, integrating sustainability into their education and daily lives.
3. Byron Community Unit School District, Minnesota
In the United States, the Byron Community Unit School District (CUSD) in Minnesota has initiated a solar project aimed at decreasing energy expenses and promoting environmental stewardship. In partnership with architecture and engineering firm Fanning Howey, the district began construction of a 50-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system in the summer of 2017. The installation consists of 160 solar panels located on the high school gymnasium roof.
In addition to the solar installation, the district has undertaken other energy-focused building improvements, including enhancements to heating and thermal storage systems at the high school and the addition of electronic controls to the middle school. These initiatives have resulted in 18% in energy savings and up to 198,500 kilowatt hours in Byron Middle school.
4. Loudoun County Public Schools, Virginia
Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability through extensive energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including implemented solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays across multiple campuses. In 2023, LCPS brought 2,263 kW of renewable energy generation online at six schools, increasing the district’s total solar production capability to more than 6,500 kW. That’s enough to power an EV on a drive across the US nearly 5 times!
These solar installations are part of a broader strategy that includes various energy conservation measures. The district has invested $19.5 million in high-efficiency upgrades to two 30-year-old school buildings, with a projected $52,000 in annual savings.
LCPS’s sustainability efforts have been recognized at multiple levels. The district has earned the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Sustained Excellence recognition for twelve consecutive years, highlighting its leadership in energy efficiency, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
5. Orange County Public Schools, Florida
Orange County Public Schools in Florida have partnered with Solar United Neighbors, a nonprofit organization, to launch the “Solar Switch” program. This initiative aims to facilitate affordable rooftop solar installations for property owners, including schools, by leveraging group purchasing power to secure competitive pricing.
This program has facilitated over 502 installations, generating 5.4 MW of solar capacity, which has contributed to reducing local carbon emissions by 58,400 metric tons. As of now, the program has generated over $13.2 million in economic development which will help them increase the clean energy in their region. They aim to have the entire county’s operations shifted to renewable energy by 2035.
1.7 million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions are avoided each year in the US with the use of solar panels. The widespread adoption of solar energy in schools is more than just a sustainability measure; it is a long-term investment in cost-saving, education, and community resilience. As more educational institutions transition to solar power, they set a precedent for innovation and responsibility. It will help reinforce the importance of environmentally conscious programs at both local and global levels.
The transition to renewable energy requires collective action. Which is why we need to act now. Join EARTHDAY.ORG’s Our Power, Our Planet, calling on global leaders to pave the way for a sustainable future through a switch to renewables. We invite you to sign here.
