Climate change disrupts the education of 40 million children every year, according to the World Economic Forum. Across the United States, extreme weather events like Superstorm Sandy have changed the educational landscape, with new initiatives being borne from these disasters that inform the design of more resilient schools. According to a report by Generation180, the number of schools turning to solar is surging. In the United States, over 8,400 schools (approximately 19% of public K-12 school districts) have installed solar power systems, reflecting a significant national trend towards renewable energy in education. This movement parallels global efforts, with countries like China, Germany, and Australia also seeing widespread adoption of solar energy in their schools, driven by strong policy support and incentives. As solar becomes increasingly prevalent, K-12 superintendents have a unique opportunity to integrate solar curriculum in their schools. Doing so will result in increased cost savings, reduced carbon emissions, new experiential learning opportunities for students, and more interest in sustainability-focused careers.
Cost Savings & Reducing Carbon Emissions
Schools are one of the largest energy consumers in the public sector, producing the equivalent of 18 coal-fired power plants or 15 million cars annually. The installation of solar systems can support decarbonization while reducing utility costs. For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), by installing a 355-kW solar array, a school district would avoid approximately 333 MT of CO2e annually. This is equivalent to 74 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year or 40,484,539 smartphones charged.
State and federal funding incentives are available to offset the costs of renewable energy projects significantly. In the United States, initiatives such as Renew America’s Schools have helped public schools invest in infrastructure improvements for healthier, more productive learning environments. Schools can also utilize existing resources to identify organizations, programs, fairs, competitions, funding opportunities, and scholarships related to renewable energy. The Inflation Reduction Act also offers federal funding, programs, and incentives to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy and includes tax credits for solar technology.
Experiential Learning & STEM Curriculum Integration
Hands-on learning allows children to engage in practical activities that enhance their understanding of solar while developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Some examples of solar learning opportunities include field trips, mobile solar learning labs (“solar wagons”), and solar experiments. By utilizing real-time data from solar asset management software tied to the arrays on campus, teachers can develop lessons on topics ranging from energy conversion to circuitry and data analysis. In addition, students may interact with data from live solar dashboards to gain experience analyzing charts and performing calculations related to the actual energy production and consumption of their school.
Veregy’s Solar Asset Management Software, LightLevel, empowers students to use real-time data from their school’s solar system to learn about the impact of renewable energy.
Promoting Careers in Sustainability
With 49.6 million students enrolled in K-12 public schools nationwide as of 2022, school officials have an opportunity to make a tremendous impact on the future of sustainability-centered professions. By connecting students to renewable energy technologies, school leaders may empower young learners to discover pathways to careers in engineering, environmental science, and renewable energy development. School leaders can also secure partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide students with internships, mentorship opportunities, and guest lectures related to sustainability careers.
Real-Life Example: Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township of Indiana
The MSD of Wayne Township Project exemplifies how solar energy can act as an educational resource in the K-12 setting. In 2023, the Project with Veregy was selected by Solar Builder Magazine as Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Project of the Year. In 2024, the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) honored the Project with the Institutional Energy Management Award for the Midwest Region.
The District not only reduced energy costs by installing solar panels on campus but also transformed their solar array into a living laboratory for students. The District uses a Mobile Solar Learning Lab consisting of a solar PV panel, inverter, battery, and charge controller, all mounted on a movable wagon that can be rolled from class to class. The device serves as a tool for demonstrations, capturing lab data, and furthering education on how solar fits into the grid.
MSD of Wayne Township’s Mobile Solar Learning Lab (“Solar Wagon”) is a valuable learning tool for demonstrations, capturing lab data, and furthering education on how solar fits into the grid.
As innovative energy production and efficiency solutions continue to rise, school leaders have a unique opportunity to harness the educational potential of solar today. Integrating solar curriculum into the fabric of local schools allows for increased opportunities for dynamic learning experiences and cultivates STEM proficiency, environmental awareness, and sustainability-minded citizenship. Through collaboration and planning, superintendents can empower the next generation to be champions of positive change in an evolving world shaped by renewable energy innovation.