Solar on Schools

Schools in the United States are huge consumers of energy; according to Energy Star, K-12 schools spend more than $6 billion annually on energy, far surpassing the amount spent on other resources, and at least 30 percent of this energy is used inefficiently or needlessly. So, schools can start to save energy in several ways, from low-cost adjustments, such as turning off lights in unused rooms, to large-scale projects, such as adding insulation. And as solar becomes a more financially viable option for powering buildings, more schools are making the move toward renewables and installing panels on their rooftops or property.

According to online solar marketplace EnergySage, schools have a unique opportunity to implement solar, because they often have the kind of spacious, level locations that are ideal for hosting solar arrays. And the benefits go beyond cutting utility costs: The Interstate Renewable Energy Council, which tracks the