New Solar Panels At Prince William Schools Could Save $16M Over 25 Years

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Solar panels are coming to 12 Prince William County public schools this year. The solar panels are being installed with no upfront cost by Secure Solar Futures, a company that specializes in providing clean energy to schools.

The company estimated that the solar panels will save the school district $16 million over the next 25 years. Though there is no upfront cost to the solar panel installation, Secure Solar Futures will own and operate the solar panels and sell the energy to the school district.

Solar panel installation will begin in the spring. Secure Solar Futures noted that installation should be complete at all 12 participating schools by the end of the year.

Here is the full list of school receiving solar panels:

• Elementary schools
  • Chris Yung Elementary School
  • Covington-Harper Elementary School
  • Jenkins Elementary School
  • Kilby Elementary School
  • Kyle Wilson Elementary school
  • Leesylvania Elementary School
  • Minnieville Elementary School
• Middle schools
  • Beville Middle School
  • Potomac Shores Middle School
• High schools
  • Battlefield High School
  • Freedom High School
  • Gainesville High School

Ryan McAllister is the CEO of Secure Solar Futures.

"One of the largest school districts in the country going solar makes Prince William County Schools a national leader on clean energy and sustainability,” McAllister said in a news release. “The schools will showcase solar power systems right on location. That will send a powerful message to students that they don’t have to wait for the clean energy economy to arrive in the future. It’s already here."

Secure Solar will also offer a classroom curriculum to help Prince William County students learn about clean energy. The company also offers Throwing Solar Shade, a semester-long program that allows students to work in teams and learn and perform research about clean energy and the climate.

Jennifer Rokasky is the energy manager for Prince William County Schools. "I'm thrilled that we are bringing solar power to Prince William County Schools," Rokasky said in a news release. "Not only will this help the school division save money, but it will help move PWCS away from nonrenewable energy sources and toward reducing our greenhouse gas emissions."

The solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the participating schools this year. Secure Solar Future estimates that the solar panels will generate enough energy to fuel the equivalent of 877 homes each year.