Solar Powered Schools

An idea whose time has come

The concept of net metered solar power generation is now widely known.  In this configuration renewable energy from Photovoltaic (Pv) solar panels generates electricity directly from sunshine itself.  When coupled to inverter boxes, surplus solar generated electric power flows back into the grid, which distributes it to surrounding users.

Photovoltaic solar power generation coupled to net metering allows private enterprises and homeowners to feed any extra power their systems generate back onto the electric grid.  When a net metered location produces surplus power the electric meter runs backwards.  Power companies are obligated to credit these customers at the same rate they are charging per kilowatt hour. Excess credits then build up like rollover minutes on a cell phone.  It is possible to reduce an electric bill to zero in some cases

County, city, and municipal school systems have a unique advantage in this scenario.  Most schools are only in use nine months a year.  They are largely shut down during the hottest times of the year, when the duration of sun light is at its maximum, and electric consumption is at its peak demand.  Without the need to power up schools on a daily basis, the meters in net metered schools will be spinning backwards at accelerated rates for longer time periods.  Every kilowatt hour they contribute is one kilowatt hour the utility won’t be billing.  A kilowatt hour generated is a kilowatt hour earned.  School systems that max out their available roof space may be able to reduce their annual electricity costs to zero.  This may be seen a deficit reduction solution, and would free up money now being spent for energy for other worthwhile and necessary programs.  School systems can gain discretionary budget without the need to raise local taxes.  It’s money already budgeted and being disbursed.  As long as the installations can be financed at bond rates rates now low enough to produce positive results, this type of system will save local schools money the very day each comes online. Payback on investment will be less than five years. This is the equivalent of borrowing at less than 4% interest, and receiving a  minimum 20% return on investing the money into solar power schools. It is fiscally sound in everyway.

Single story, flat roofed school buildings exist across the country.  One and two story, flat roofed schools represent an unused asset. They are ready made platforms for Pv collector fields.  Unlike gable roofs, which must be properly oriented to the sun to be effective, flat roofs maximize exposure to sunlight without regard to the season, or compass.  The ground around schools is clear of tall trees that would otherwise rob a collector field of available sunlight.  Taken together these factors make schools the biggest unutilized asset in the country.  It’s a total waste of resources not to take advantage of this solution.  Once paid for, the energy needed to power these systems is free. Perpetual energy with a fixed cost of zero is possible. 

Most school systems offer trade courses, or operate a trade oriented high school.  Installation of photovoltaic solar collectors is largely nuts and bolts.  The skill level need is not very high.  Under proper supervision, training high schools students to install these systems is not hard. Connecting the electric lines will require licensed, master electricians, who can also train and prepare students for a productive life. In this way students who may not be on the academic track can be trained and certified for renewable energy systems in all sectors of the economy.  In particular, the installation on millions of single family dwellings is going to require a generation of trained labor for success.  A younger, entry level work force in the beginning will make more installations possible in a shorter time frame, and at a lower cost. It would also offer opportunity to younger workers by acting to incentivize their entry into adult life in a positive way.  It would create attainable goals for otherwise aimless kids. County schools have the opportunity to train installers for their own installations and thereby provide immediate employment for their graduates.

There is a nationally stated goal of reducing green house gas emissions by reducing reliance on fossil fueled energy.  Some quarters call for actually eliminating the need for fossil fueled energy altogether. If this is going to happen the first thing necessary is to make use of fossil fueled energy less relevant.  A nationwide system of Pv powered schools could easily be the beginning of the end of fossil fuel dominance.  It could represent the turning of the tide. Just here in Virginia, if it were on line now, we might not need a new and controversial multi-state elevated power line to meet future energy needs.  Retrofitting public schools by itself may allow some states to meet federally mandated reductions in fossil fuel sources in a timely fashion.

It is possible that the Departments of Energy and Education may have grants and other financial assistance available to local school systems for renewable energy systems.  Linking such programs to installation of Pv electric systems nationwide will alleviate financial and economic pressure where it counts. If so, the suggested utilization of schools as energy generating units should be formalized and implemented.  If not, laws should be crafted not only to allow it, but to mandate it.

The entire country seems united in these goals.  What is lacking are visible, specific results.  Our state has an exceptionally special opportunity to lead the nation in this.