The initial cost? Installing solar-power systems can be costly. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the cost between $8,000 and $10,000 per kilowatt of power output. However, installing a solar-power system is equivalent to prepaying your utility bill for the next few decades—systems can last for 15-25 years.
Most solar-power systems installed at public schools are 1-kilowatt systems, costing about $25,000 for equipment, installation, and teacher training. Systems this size power 16-20 fluorescent tube lights a day—about 1% to 2% of the school's energy requirement—a small step toward savings before broaching the subject of comprehensive systems.
Click here to read about Westover School's Green Cup challenge. This is a private girls' school in Middlebury, CT, that completed a nationwide Green Cup challenge, aided by a 158.60kW solar energy system on two campus rooftops.
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This article originally appeared on Edutopia.org.
