We’ve updated our 2020 report with new data and national trends. Head here to read the 2022 report edition!
Brighter Future Report 2020
A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools
As school districts struggle to adapt to a nationwide budget crisis brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak, many K-12 schools are shoring up budgets with a switch to solar power. Find out more inside this third edition of Brighter Future: A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools, including new data and trends on solar uptake at schools nationwide, how schools are saving millions in energy bills (with little-to-no upfront investment), and a national ranking of all states for solar on schools.
Which States Rank at the Top?
Mapping the Solar Schools Movement
We have the most comprehensive database of solar schools in the country. Check out new data on how your state ranks for installed solar capacity on schools and number of solar schools. Find a solar school near you and learn more about that solar installation.
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The map shows the solar schools identified in our national census report through the end of 2019. Help us keep our database updated by adding your solar school.
Solar on U.S. Schools More Than Doubled in Five Years.
Key Findings
Here are some key findings from Brighter Future: A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools:
- Over the last five years, K-12 schools more than doubled the total amount of installed solar
- 7,332 schools nationwide now utilize solar power, making up 5.5 percent of all K-12 public and private U.S. schools
- The number of schools with solar increased by 81% since 2014
- More than 5.3 million students attend a school with solar
Why Schools are Going Solar
Success Stories
In the News
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World Economic Forum: Video – “Schools in the U.S. are converting solar power into pay rise for teachers” – October 26, 2020
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E &E News/Climate Wire: “This Arkansas school turned solar savings into better teacher pay” – October 16, 2020
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pv magazine: “More than 7,000 schools are solar powered” – September 17, 2020
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The Daily Climate: “Solar power on the rise in U.S. schools” – September16, 2020
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KPBS: “Solar power shines on California schools” – September 15, 2020
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Energy News Network: “Virginia jumps to head of the class on school solar installations, report shows” – September 15, 2020
Ready, Set, GO SOLAR
How-To Guide for Schools Going Solar
This step-by-step guide helps schools understand what they need to know to move forward with a solar installation. The guide includes an Introduction to Solar Financing that explains how most schools fund their solar projects.