Solar and Storage are Saving Schools Millions. See How These Six Are Using the Extra Budget Space

The first days of the 2026-2027 school year are upon us. Students of all ages are getting ready for another year of learning, and some of them may notice a new addition to their campus: solar panels.

Today, over 7 million K-12 students (~1 in 7) attend a solar-powered school, according to Generation 180. For schools looking to save money in their budgets, solar is a common-sense long-term investment to lock in energy savings and strengthen their local grids. One study found that schools in Pennsylvania could save up to $342 million statewide just by installing solar on their roofs, while a similar study found that North Carolina’s school rooftops could produce enough annual power for 150,000 homes.

To celebrate back-to-school week, SEIA is counting down six schools, from elementary to college, that are making the move to solar and reaping the benefits.

Andover Elementary School in Connecticut Is Embracing Sustainability and Stabilizing Costs

As part of their effort to improve sustainability and energy efficiency, Andover Elementary in Andover, Connecticut installed a rooftop solar system in collaboration with two partner companies, which is allowing the school to benefit quickly from solar without high upfront costs. The district hopes the project will help encourage continued sustainability efforts throughout the town of Andover and demonstrate how long-term, financially responsible investments can deliver “lasting value for the students, staff, and the broader community.”

Friedman Middle School in Massachusetts is saving $35,000 a year

Benjamin A. Friedman Middle School is now the second school in Taunton, Massachusetts to install a rooftop solar system, joining Chamberlain Elementary School. With roughly $35,000 in energy savings and incentives every year, the school estimates a benefit of over $1 million over the life of the system. Friedman Middle also intends to use the project as an educational opportunity for their students to learn how renewable energy systems function.

McHenry High School in Illinois Is Reducing Energy Costs by 30% 

As part of its efforts to reduce energy costs, both campuses of McHenry High School in McHenry, Illinois are installing solar with expected completion by December 2026. According to Superintendent Ryan McTague, the 2,000+ panels placed on the high school’s rooftops are expected to reduce their energy costs by 30%. “We are setting a great example to students and to taxpayers while also saving money. The return on the investment will go back into the school community,” said McTague.

Harlem Consolidated School District in Illinois Is Funding Scholarships

In Machesney Park, Illinois, Harlem Consolidated School District is leasing land to developer New Energy Equity for a 5.5-megawatt community solar project. Through the partnership, New Energy Equity is funding $10,000 in student scholarships every year for the next 25 years.

Sonoma State University in California Sees Savings, Reliability, and Shade with Solar on Parking Lots

With five parking lots now covered by solar panels, students, staff, and visitors at Sonoma State University will not only keep their cars cool during the midday heat, but the university will also gain greater long-term predictability in its utility bills. The school also has onsite battery storage, which will ensure they maintain access to power even during grid outages.

The University of Arkansas is Saving Millions Every Year

This spring, the University of Arkansas completed a new array at its flagship campus in Fayetteville as part of a statewide project located on U of A system campuses. Three more sites are expected to come online this year which, combined with the Fayetteville project, are expected to save the University over $100 million over 25 years. Once fully completed, the school’s fleet of solar arrays will create the largest solar project in the state of Arkansas. “It saves the university money and that frees up resources for our core mission,” said Eric Boles, the university’s director of sustainability.