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Green technology

Rural Schools in Eastern Washington Harness Solar Power for Savings

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As part of a new project, the Harrington School District in Washington is leading the way in harnessing solar power to save energy costs, setting an example for the 15 other rural schools across Eastern Washington that have also joined the program. The initiative, a collaboration between Partners for Rural Washington and Zero Emissions Northwest, aims to bring solar projects to these rural schools, with the goal of generating funds for various needs and reducing the financial burden on these communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project involves installing solar systems on or near school buildings at no cost to the districts, thanks to funding from the Community Solar Expansion Program.
  • The initiative is expected to save each participating school around $15,000 per year, totaling nearly $1 million over the 30-year lifespan of the solar panel system.
  • The saved energy costs will be reinvested into the district to support low-income populations for the first 10 years of the project.
  • The partnership includes utility companies Inland Power and Avista, supporting the State Community Solar program.
  • The goal is to help as many Eastern Washington communities as possible, with organizations involved actively reaching out to rural schools to join the project.
  • The project aims to remove barriers and create opportunities for schools, teachers, and administrators by generating funds for needs such as uniforms, transportation fees, and summer camps focused on science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Statistics:

  • 16 rural schools across Eastern Washington are participating in the project.
  • The initiative is funded by one-time incentives from the Community Solar Expansion Program.
  • Utility companies Inland Power and Avista are supporting the State Community Solar program.
  • Each participating school is expected to save around $15,000 per year, totaling nearly $1 million over the 30-year lifespan of the solar panel system.
  • The saved energy costs will be reinvested into the district over the first 10 years of the project.

Sources:

  • The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.)
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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