School districts across the country are always looking for ways to save money so that they can offer their students more programs, more support, and great teachers. Even as the economy recovers, many schools are still struggling with budget cuts that are forcing them to slash extracurricular programs and even teachers.
One asset that schools do have – plenty of roof space.
Across the country “solar schools” are embracing the solar revolution by investing in solar panels to help cut their energy costs. These savings can protect the jobs of teachers and help schools afford extracurricular activities for their students.
According to a 2012 article in the Wall Street Journal, over 500 schools in 43 states have installed solar panels in just the last three years. That number is probably much higher today, especially as utility companies continue to hike up energy rates.
Just how big are these savings? The Scottsdale Unified Schools District in Phoenix, which invested in solar energy in 2009, estimated an average annual savings of $300,000 on its energy bills in 2012. According to the Wall Street Journal article, David Peterson, the school district’s superintendent was able to use these savings to re-hire six teachers that had been laid off due to budget cuts.
Just as importantly, schools can send a powerful message to their student body. Schools are molding future leaders in their classrooms every day. The ideas their students absorb will help pave our future. Students that see their schools embrace clean, renewable energy will get the message that a new era of renewable energy is dawning and will seek to be a part of that revolution.
At OneRoof Energy, we want to support schools and help them send empowering messages to their students. That is why we created our “Solar for Schools” program, which lets teachers, administrators, parents, and members of the community donate $500 to the school of their choice when they choose SolarSelect Financing through OneRoof Energy. In other words, if you are already planning to invest in solar panels, now you can send a nice little financial gift to your children’s school. The more families that sign onto this program, the bigger the benefit. If just 100 families in your community adopt solar through OneRoof Energy, your school will get a check for $70,000. That could save a teacher’s job, keep the marching band marching, or help repair an old heating system. It certainly beats the heck out of a bake sale or car wash! Learn more about our Solar for Schools program.
