Public school districts rely heavily on government funding, property taxes, and fundraisers to keep their schools running. With impending budget cuts, school districts are stretching their dollars even more to accommodate their students. Administrative roles are being dissolved due to lack of budget, and teachers have defaulted to paying for supplies out of pocket, despite their salaries being lower than they were 10 years ago. Even with their dedication and sacrifices, the shortfall in funding inevitably impacts the quality of education students receive. Due to these financial pressures faced by public school districts, finding innovative solutions has become more important than ever.
According to Energy Star, K-12 schools in the U.S. spend $6 billion on average every year on electricity, while up to 30% is unnecessarily being used, meaning a lot of this money is going to waste. With a solar Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”), schools can take advantage of a significant energy discount and allocate their budget to where they need it most.
A Recent Case Study in CA
San Bernardino Unified School District is a leading example, promising to be 100% powered by renewable energy by the end of 2024. They agreed to purchase solar energy from a 5.6 MW project installed on 16 of their school campuses as canopies, which is predicted to produce 9.5 GWh of energy every year.
When the project is fully finished, and the entire district is completely powered by renewable energy, they predict they will save around $60 million over the following 30 years. This money can be reallocated to much needed resources, such as teachers’ compensation, materials for classrooms, and extracurricular activities.
Benefits of Solar PV PPA for Schools
Zero upfront cost: Solar panels are installed on your campuses for zero upfront cost, and you agree to purchase the energy at a discounted price over 10-25 years.
Truly Turnkey: Throughout the PPA term, C26 takes care of everything from installation to maintenance. Schools can have full confidence knowing C26 does all the work for you.
Reduced Blackout Risk: Power outages often cause class has to be put on hold. This could affect the quality of education, reducing the amount of time students spend in the classroom. With C26 solar PV PPAs, schools can rely on backup power batteries to store energy for emergencies.
Better Press and More Opportunities: Schools can use their solar projects for good press, showing their dedication to creating a brighter and cleaner future. Additionally, schools can take this opportunity to teach their students more about how solar works through up-close and personal experiences.
Now What?
While public school districts face financial challenges, there are promising solutions that can help alleviate the strain on resources. The case study of San Bernardino Unified School District illustrates the financial benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources with a solar PPA.
C26's solar PPAs promise substantial cost savings over the long term and allow schools to use the funds to buy more resources and support faculty. Moreover, beyond the financial advantages, solar PPAs provide additional benefits such as reduced blackout risks and opportunities for educational enrichment.
Renewable energy not only saves schools money, but also contributes to a better future for the students all around.