Since 2014, solar capacity at K-12 schools across the U.S. has more than quadrupled, according to a new report from clean energy nonprofit Generation180.

The report, “Brighter Future: A Study of Solar on K-12 Schools,” highlights that more than 6.2 million students – more than one in nine – now attend schools that run on solar energy. In 2023 alone, more than 800 schools will have been equipped with solar panels, meaning that at least one school will have gone solar every day during the 2022-23 school year.

“The benefits of solar energy are now reaching a broad range of schools across the country, including schools in underserved communities that stand to benefit most from the cost savings and educational opportunities that solar technology offers. We want all schools and communities, regardless of size, geographic location or wealth, to have access to affordable, clean energy,” said Tish Tablan, lead author of the report and senior director of Generation180’s Electrify Our Schools program.

Most of these schools finance their solar projects through third-party participation models, which makes it easier to bypass the hurdle of upfront costs. The Inflation Mitigation Act has also made it more affordable for schools to deploy clean energy by offering tax credits in the form of cash payments for solar panels, battery storage, and other clean technologies.

Key findings from the Brighter Future report include:

• K-12 schools across the country now generate 1,814 megawatts (MW) of solar power – enough to power over 330,000 homes or the entire city of Denver.
• The states with the highest solar capacity for schools are California, New Jersey, Arizona, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
• States like Minnesota, Maryland and Pennsylvania are breaking new ground with state-funded grants to help schools use solar energy.

Schools that use solar panels not only reduce their energy costs, but also invest their savings in students and communities. For example, Wayne County Public Schools in West Virginia, a region traditionally dependent on coal, plans to install 10,000 solar panels in all of its schools by 2025. They also offer apprenticeships to high school students that give them hands-on experience installing solar panels on their own school campuses.

Combining solar energy with battery storage is another trend helping schools build climate resilience. Around 40 schools in six states have installed battery storage to manage their energy use and provide backup power. California, with its long-standing storage incentive program, leads the way with 75% of these battery projects.

Schools are also participating in community solar projects that have benefits beyond campus. In Denver, for example, school solar roofs not only power the buildings, but also provide affordable, clean electricity to low-income families in the area. This collaboration between the City of Denver and Denver Public Schools is currently helping 44 local families save an estimated 64% on their electric bills.

“While it’s exciting to see the increasing use of solar energy, too many schools are still missing out on the many benefits solar energy brings to students, communities and the climate. We hope this report inspires more schools to explore the opportunities in their districts and join the clean energy movement,” said Stuart Gardner, Executive Director of Generation180.

Read more: Oakland is now the first state in the US to deploy a 100% electric school bus fleet – V2G

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