Governor Schwarzeneggar in California recently passed a bill that makes state rebates available to people who purchase solar panels. I we should make some rebates specifically for schools and school districts to purchase solar arrays or geothermal heating/cooling systems. Schools already have the real estate, ample roof space, and maintainence workers to implement and maintain such systems. They also have access to fundraisers and PTA's to cover costs. It could educate and stimulate student's and communities interest in "enviro-tech". It dispurses energy production across the nation rather than transfer electricity across the nation from a few gigantic solar farms. It would help to relieve the energy crisis, especially in the summer when there is the most sun and energy consumption is at it's peak. Most schools are out in the summer so energy solar panels generate can go into the grid. AND on top of helping the environment, it will help reduce the utilities costs of schools saving them money in the long term. When you take into account that energy prices will most likely continue to rise, it would be the rebate that keeps giving money back to education and helps to alleviate tightening state budgets!
I hope you like my first Why Not idea. It just makes sense to me but I'd appreciate some different view points! I liked it so much I wrote the governor. If you like it too I hope you'll consider writing to yours as well! If you want you can email me and I'll send you a copy if you want to just copy and paste. Or you can use any part of what I wrote above.
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School districts, especially in hte USA are doing bad enough so as they cannot afford to get into the solar business.
I like it!Personally, every roof that I see I envision panels being put there!And money-wise it even makes sense: the pay-back period in investing in solar is WAY shorter than the lifespan of a school. Its a great investment and a learning experience for the kids at the same time!
I'm actually really surprised you don't read of benefactors giving back to their high schools with a gift of solar panels...a gift that keeps on giving!