A school district in Batesville, Arkansas made a huge leap to renewable energy. It invested in solar panels to power the local schools and even saved money to give its teachers pay rises.
The lower energy bills in one high school and five other education centers allowed the school district to pay its teachers and extra $15,000 each.
Interesting Engineering reports that prior to this, the school district found it tricky to keep teachers working in these schools — the pay was low, and not many people wanted to move to a rural part of the state.
“The school turned things around in 2017 by buying some 1,500 solar panels that were installed in a nearby unused field. Leftover panels were attached to the school itself. Any leftover power generated by the panels is sold back to the grid in order to power the local region, too. “
Thanks to lower utility bills and renewable energy, what was once one of the lowest average salary districts now has risen to one of the top.
The move to renewables has not only helped the planet but also directly improved the lives of many teachers and kids in the district.
Although only 11.4 percent of the nation's energy comes from renewables, the good news is that the prices of solar panels are dropping, prompting more businesses, industries, and even schools to go solar.
Nikola uses his background in electrical engineering to break down complex sustainability topics for GreenCitizen's readers. He is a firm believer in environmental conservation, which he practices daily through recycling and home-grown food. He enjoys hiking, engaging in white-water sports, and collecting pocket knives.
School District Goes Solar, Teachers Get Raise From Savings
Nikola Gemeš | 2021-04-06 | Category : Green News | 2 minutes read | 2222 Views
A school district in Batesville, Arkansas made a huge leap to renewable energy. It invested in solar panels to power the local schools and even saved money to give its teachers pay rises.
The lower energy bills in one high school and five other education centers allowed the school district to pay its teachers and extra $15,000 each.
Interesting Engineering reports that prior to this, the school district found it tricky to keep teachers working in these schools — the pay was low, and not many people wanted to move to a rural part of the state.
“The school turned things around in 2017 by buying some 1,500 solar panels that were installed in a nearby unused field. Leftover panels were attached to the school itself. Any leftover power generated by the panels is sold back to the grid in order to power the local region, too. “
Thanks to lower utility bills and renewable energy, what was once one of the lowest average salary districts now has risen to one of the top.
The move to renewables has not only helped the planet but also directly improved the lives of many teachers and kids in the district.
Although only 11.4 percent of the nation's energy comes from renewables, the good news is that the prices of solar panels are dropping, prompting more businesses, industries, and even schools to go solar.
Nikola Gemeš
Nikola uses his background in electrical engineering to break down complex sustainability topics for GreenCitizen's readers. He is a firm believer in environmental conservation, which he practices daily through recycling and home-grown food. He enjoys hiking, engaging in white-water sports, and collecting pocket knives.
Latest News
Trending on GreenCitizen
December-14-2021
Patriot Power Generator Review (2022): Worth Your Money?March-31-2022
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: The Complete GuideJune-07-2022
9 Actionable Tips For A Sustainable 4th of July CelebrationJanuary-07-2022
10 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents (2022)December-05-2021
How to Build a Lean-to Greenhouse?September-02-2020
How to Build Your Own DIY Solar Generator?April-10-2022
44 Of The World’s Most Ethical Companies (Updated 2022)January-03-2022
How to Recycle VHS Tapes and Cassette Tapes: A Complete GuideMay-05-2022
How To Use A Citric Acid Cleaner On Household ItemsJuly-27-2021
How To Dispose Of A Washer And Dryer In An Eco-Friendly Way?Our Services
Category: Green News, Renewable Energy