35 public school systems (192 public schools!) in Virginia have already taken advantage of this opportunity to cut their operating costs by installing solar at no charge, including:
Charlottesville, Middlesex, Lexington, Richmond, Staunton, Fairfax, Arlington, King William, Waynesboro, Palmyra, Ashland, Powhatan, Orange, Newport News, Mineral, Heathsville, Charles City, Manassas, Henrico, Falls Church, Isle of Wight, Poquoson, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and many more.
This link shows the schools that have taken this opportunity as of the end of 2023 (updated report coming in August 2026). Generation 180 showcases videos and information of Virginia schools that have gone solar here.
What Can Schools Do to Garner Proposals from Solar Partners?
A standardized RFP can be used, as can a standard Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
The school issues the RFP, collects proposals for solar that will be done at no out-of-pocket cost to the school, selects the best, and develops a PPA with the installer. In this way, the school system expends no effort or design work, there is no cost to the school, and operating costs are immediately cut with lower utility bills. Other benefits include the extension of roof lifetime, decrease in air-conditioning costs, and opportunities for student and faculty education involvement with renewable energy.
Solar Resources for Schools
Generation 180 provides great resources about solar on schools:
- National report
- Virginia-specific report
- Toolkits and How-to guides to lead you step-by-step through how to get solar on your school
Thousands of schools across the country have saved money and protected themselves from rate increases by installing solar.
Pilot article on VA school solar
Press release on NREL report showing US can produce 45% of its electricity with solar by 2050
Solar Skeptic Turned Solar Champion
Private schools can also do this at no cost – see this Norfolk Academy example
