This  is the second installment of a three-part series from Generation180’s Executive Director, Stuart Gardner, where he offers a fresh take on where we are and what lies ahead for clean energy in 2025. Generation180 remains steadfast in our commitment to inspire and equip individuals and communities – our clean energy ambassadors, partners and readers like you – as we work forward a better, cleaner future for all.  

Across the United States, clean energy adoption has been growing exponentially, enabling more communities to reap the benefits of transitioning away from costly fossil fuels. Our latest research shows that solar power at K-12 schools has more than quadrupled over the last ten years. This movement isn’t just about climate change—it’s about creating healthier, more resilient communities while reinvesting energy savings into education and future workforce development.

In coal country West Virginia, Wayne County Public Schools installed 10,000 solar panels across its school buildings that will power nearly 100% of the district’s electricity needs and save $6.5 million in energy costs over 25 years. The district is also offering hands-on solar installation apprenticeships for students and empowering young leaders to build their futures while actively contributing to their communities.

However, clean energy initiatives are under attack and federal funds supporting clean energy programs are being frozen. Only one month into 2025, the federal funding and programs that have jump-started clean energy adoption in recent years, specifically those created by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, could come to a halt. 

This matters to the education sector, because energy is the second largest expense for schools after staffing. Improving energy efficiency and generating solar energy onsite have become key strategies for schools to reduce costs and find more money to invest in students. Blocking investments in clean energy will remove a critical tool used by communities to reduce long-term energy costs. Schools that are already struggling to cover basic operational expenses will face even greater financial strain.  

Why NOW is the time to Electrify Our Schools

Despite the new bumps in the road, we can keep driving toward a future powered by clean energy. The time is now to help schools move quickly towards electrification and clean energy.

Despite the new bumps in the road, we can keep driving toward a future powered by clean energy. The time is now to help schools move quickly towards electrification and clean energy.

• Urgency of Energy Resilience
  • In the face of increasing climate challenges, the need for energy resilience at schools becomes more urgent. Schools serve as emergency centers for their communities after extreme weather events or when the grid goes down. Now is the time to bring solar-powered microgrids, such as the systems installed by Santa Barbara Unified School District, to schools to provide energy cost savings and backup power during outages.
• Scale of the Opportunity
  • Because schools emit carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to 150 methane-fired power plants, they have an important role to play in addressing the climate crisis. With a school in every community, schools can be leading the way and demonstrating to the next generation how the country will transition towards a clean energy future.

A Vision for a Brighter Future

Protecting the promise and payoff of clean energy in our schools may be a battle in the coming years, but we are working to ensure all schools and communities can continue to access the educational and economic benefits

As we embark on this next chapter, the goals are clear: continue expanding clean energy access, empower communities through education and job creation, and set a global standard for sustainable development. The progress made in recent years proves these goals are nonpartisan issues with achievable outcomes. Together, we have the opportunity to build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future—one where every student, family, and community can thrive.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       -Stuart Gardner, Executive Director, Generation180

 ###