Most people only think of home or business uses of solar panels. Homeowners use solar panels to cover their electric bills. Businesses use alternative energy for many reasons, including being able to use the “going green” label. There are also incredible solar options for schools and universities.
These institutions can improve their environmental footprint, increase their eco-friendly status, and invest in technology providing a tremendous return on investment. Let’s explore a few of the reasons why schools and universities should go solar.
Most school roofs are perfect for solar panels
Schools and Universities usually have flat roofs with durable materials. The open and unshaded space on the roofs provides the right space for solar panels to capture as much sunlight as possible.
Drop-in operational costs for schools and universities
Electric prices are always on the rise. Electrical costs are a huge part of school and university operational costs. Free solar energy provides a
solution to lower these costs and protect educational institutions from price increases. Through technology advancements and skilled installers, there are more accessible solar options for schools and universities. The larger the system, the lower the cost per wattage, the quicker the return on investment (ROI,) making schools and universities great candidates for solar energy usage.
Solar power could support enrollment
Solar power is important to many potential students, teachers, and other stakeholders. Many students and teachers consider the global responsibility of organizations they choose to partner with, this is true of universities as well. Solar could be a means for attracting and retaining top talent. In areas with several universities, a university that uses solar could have a differentiator in the race for great candidates. Going green could be another aspect of developing your innovative reputation at your school.
Solar panels provide a learning experience for students
Hands-on learning experiences are among the best ways to cement new ideas. A solar panel system at your school will enrich the learning environments of students by allowing them to see first-hand a working solar-powered system. Having a solar system on campus will prompt students to use more sustainable practices and enable teachers to incorporate the energy system into their curriculum, specifically in science and math classrooms.
Solar systems at colleges push technology forward
People are more likely to invest in solar when they can see a working model. Universities are open spaces that invite many people, local, regional, and even international to their campuses. This exposure to solar energy encourages more people to use it and researchers to study it and develop the technology further. The solar system can also serve as a teaching point for visitors about the university’s investment in the environment.
The future of solar energy at schools and universities
More and more colleges, schools, and universities are tapping into the benefits of solar power. These learning institutions get to extend their gains well beyond the financial savings through reduced energy bills toward enriching the lives of students, faculty, and visitors. Make sure to partner with a reputable installation company that will professionally erect your panels so they will last. The expert team at Michigan Solar Solutions has worked to bring many communities alternative energy options all over the state of Michigan. No matter the size or scale of your learning facility, we can bring you solar options today.
We have installed solar for many schools, including Alma College, Walsh College, Detroit Public Schools, Cass Technical High School and more. View our commercial projects.
If your school is interested in going solar, give us a call for a free consultation to see if solar is right for you! Call (248) 923-3456 or request a Free Online Solar Analysis.
{{cta(‘f9b4e0b0-d2a6-44e1-bf2f-9837aecff64d’,’justifycenter’)}}
Michigan Solar Solutions is a commercial and residential solar installer and electrical contractor that has served the lower peninsula of Michigan since 2007. We have installed thousands of panels and have a happy customer near you, check out what our customers think of us on Guild Quality.