Why Are Solar Schools on the Rise? 4 Reasons Schools Are Switching

The answer to why are solar schools on the rise comes down to four things: lower costs, energy savings, grid security, and hands-on education. More school districts across the country are installing solar panels — and the numbers prove it.

Today, there are over 5,500 schools that have gone solar. Since 2014, that represents a 46% increase according to a recent study by The Solar Energy Industries Association. 

A Study of Solar on K-12 Schools, 5th Edition, by the nonprofit organization Generation180, reports that over 8,971 U.S. K-12 schools now run on solar power as of 2023. That’s more than double the number from 2014.

Over 6.2 million students — more than 1 in 9 — attend a solar-powered school. In the 2022–23 school year alone, more than 800 schools added solar arrays, which means at least one school went solar every single day.

Solar capacity at K-12 schools has grown more than 400% over the last decade, rising from 422 MW in 2014 to 1,814 MW in 2023. Enough to power all 330,000+ households in Denver, Colorado (Generation180, 2024).

Why Are Solar Schools on the Rise? 4 Key Drivers

So, what is behind this sudden burst of solar activity at school districts across the country? 

There are many factors at play.  

Cost 

Solar systems today are much less expensive than their predecessors. Not only has the technology decreased in cost, but there are new ways to finance these projects.  Some solar companies offer favorable financing terms, while other school districts sign third-party power purchase agreements that ensure their energy costs will remain stable. 

Federal incentives also help. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers schools direct-pay tax credits — paid as cash reimbursements — for solar panels, battery storage, and other clean energy technologies. Some state programs add to this.

Pennsylvania’s Solar for Schools Grant Program, for example, recently invested over $22.6 million across 74 schools to cover solar panel installation, permits, energy storage, and utility connection costs (PA DCED, 2025).

One real-world example: Wayne County Public Schools in West Virginia committed to solarizing all its school buildings, installing 10,000 solar panels across its sites. The project carries a projected $6.5 million in energy savings over 25 years — enough to fund the salaries of three additional teachers throughout their careers (Generation180, 2024).

Sustainability

Unlike fossil fuel options, solar is a sustainable power source. School districts can better predict and control their energy costs with solar.  Fossil fuel prices, in contrast, can be unpredictable, leaving districts with budget gaps that can impact the overall quality of education. 

And, the use of solar decreases the amount of harmful CO2 emissions that are created by oil and gas. One study estimated that solar schools offset an average of 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. 

Solar schools are cutting into that number. The nation’s K-12 schools now prevent 1.7 million metric tons of CO₂ each year through solar energy generation. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that K-12 and post-secondary schools emit approximately 72 million metric tons of CO₂ from energy consumption annually — equal to 18 coal-fired power plants.

Fossil fuel prices fluctuate, leaving school districts with unpredictable electricity bills and budget gaps. Solar systems lock in electricity costs and give districts control over their energy budget for 25 years or more.

Switching to solar also moves school districts toward a cleaner energy future and signals the school’s commitment to environmental responsibility that resonates with students, parents, and community members.

Security

When the lights go out, solar energy can provide backup power with battery storage systems. These batteries protect the safety of students in times of emergencies. 

During storms, solar battery systems ensure the lighting, alarms, and environmental systems stay operational when needed most. Often, solar schools with backup systems become community shelters during catastrophic weather events. 

In Roanoke, Virginia, two high schools recently installed 1 MW of solar plus 4 MWh of battery storage each. Both schools serve as official emergency shelters designated by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. The battery systems power gyms, kitchens, freezers, and other essential loads during grid outages — without diesel generators (WDBJ7, 2026).

Solar battery storage systems ensure lighting, alarms, HVAC, and ventilation systems stay operational when students and community members need them most. A growing concern is that climate change increases the frequency of severe weather events.

STEM Education

Solar systems are a great way to involve and engage students in STEM subjects. Having a solar panel array gives students access to technology that will fuel their future. One school district in California incorporated the school’s solar systems into its curriculum. 

They developed lessons based on the solar system along with real-time monitoring of energy output. This hands-on learning was responsible for 60% improvement in science and math test scores. 

Schools that integrate solar into their curriculum create hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Pennsylvania’s Solar for Schools grant recipients, for example, are required to incorporate renewable energy education into their district curriculum, providing hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students (PA DCED, 2025).

The growth in school solar installations continues.

Solar Panel Case Study - PA School First Opens Zero-Energy Building  

TerraSol Energies has worked directly with educational institutions across the tri-state area. Here are three school solar power projects that show what solar installations look like in practice.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania set a goal of achieving campus carbon neutrality by 2040, and its first milestone was reached with the opening of the Lombardo Welcome Center in January of 2018.

Millersville selected TerraSol Energies, Inc. and ultimately SunPower as their partners to plan, design and build the first structure in their sustainable-purposed future.  

The Lombardo Welcome Center features a 15-foot tall PV solar tracking structure. These solar panels will track the trajectory of the sun 365 days a year. With dual-axis pivot joints this structure will obtain optimal sun capturing performance year-round and provide campus goers with an up-close and personal experience with solar energy.

Students have the opportunity to get hands-on learning by monitoring the ongoing performance of the solar system with web-based tools.  

Now open, the welcome center: 

• Has reduced the university’s carbon footprint by 170 tons of CO2 per year 

• Boasts a 175-kW system 

• Houses 528 single solar panels 

• Generates 206,708 kWh annually

“TerraSol has been a great partner,” says Chris Steuer, Sustainability Manager of Millersville University, “Helping us create a space that generates positive energy— beginning with the solar panels and carrying through to the inspiring future it portrays for our students.” 

We can handle any school solar projects in the tri-state area to achieve energy efficiency and to maximize your school budgets.

Is Your School Ready to Go Solar?

The data is clear: solar schools save money, cut carbon dioxide emissions, support STEM education, and strengthen community resilience. With federal incentives, state grant programs, and flexible financing options like PPAs now widely available, more schools than ever have a path to solar adoption.

If you want to learn how your school district can lower its electricity bills and reduce its carbon footprint, contact TerraSol Energies today.

If you are interested in learning more about how your school can utilize clean and sustainable solar energy, contact us today. As a leading Sun Power Installation Representative, we can help you reduce your school district’s energy bill without spending a dime. 

And that’s exactly why our solar schools-on-the-rise question remains one of the most important in school energy planning today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are US schools switching to solar energy?

Schools are switching to solar power for four main reasons: to lower electricity costs, reduce carbon emissions, secure backup power during grid failures, and provide hands-on STEM learning opportunities for students.

How much money can a school district save by going solar?

Savings vary by district size, but the financial impact can be significant. For example, Wayne County Public Schools in West Virginia expects to save $6.5 million over 25 years by installing 10,000 solar panels. This saving is enough to fund the salaries of three additional teachers.

Can solar panels keep a school running during a power outage?

Yes, if they are paired with battery storage systems. These setups keep lighting, alarms, and HVAC systems running during severe weather. For example, two high schools in Roanoke, Virginia, installed solar and battery storage systems to operate as official community emergency shelters during grid outages without relying on diesel generators.

How do solar installations benefit STEM education?

Solar arrays give students real-world data to analyze in science, technology, engineering, and math classes. One California school district integrated real-time solar energy tracking into its curriculum and saw a 60% improvement in student science and math test scores.