Schools

The Department of Energy reports that taxpayers spend $6 billion on energy costs for K-12 schools each year. This is more than what is spent on textbooks and computers combined, and it’s the second highest expenditure after salaries.
Due to the inefficiency of current systems, school energy costs are estimated at about 25% more than what is actually necessary for daily operation. According to SchoolEnergySaving.com, the average school building in the United States is 42 years old. These aging buildings were not designed with today’s student population in mind. Modern technology has significantly increased the energy loads a school must meet.

In Brighter Future: A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools Report, the Solar Energy Industries Association states that there are 3,752 K-12 schools in the United States with solar installations. The electricity generated yearly from these systems represents a combined value of $77.8 million. This combined value is enough for nearly 2,200 new teachers’ salaries or 155,000 tablet computers for classroom use.

School energy use is divided as follows:
• Lighting: 26%
• Cooling: 26%
• Office equipment: 20%

• Other energy: 10%
• Ventilation: 7%
• Space heating: 5%
• Regulation: 4%
• Cooking: 1%
• Water heating: 1%

Solar power provides a more efficient way for schools to meet their energy needs. A single silicon solar panel produces as much energy over its 30- to 40-year lifespan as a nuclear fuel rod. Efficiency of power generation results in cost savings as well as substantial ecological benefits. For every 1 kW/hr of solar energy that is produced, 300 lbs of carbon is kept out of the atmosphere.

Solar canopies are an increasingly popular way to take advantage of parking and invest in solar power.
Parking lot solar canopy installations are an excellent for hospitals schools and other facilities with large parking areas. Not only will you generate green power, but your employees and customers will appreciate the shade to protect their vehicles.
A wide range of installation options make parking lot solar canopies a strong aesthetic choice.