Sustainable energy for schools by way of photovoltaics now exist, and it's called the Athenian College Preparatory school, located in the San Francisco Bay area.
True to the core of what the school believes in, environmental sustainability is first and foremost on the list.
To prove that point, Athenian contracted REC solar to install 30,000 square feet of solar cell panels.
The most remarkable aspect of this installation is the fact that the panels are arranged in the shape of a gigantic 'A' which stands for Athenian.
They have even gone so far as to call it their 'mascot', and what a powerful mascot it is.
Producing 220 kilowatts of power, this meets more than half of the entire schools needs.
That is 50% less fossil fuels being consumed, and 50% more funds available for school projects.
This deal was only possible through Tioga Power, which funded the system, and is now selling back the electricity produced at a reduced and fixed rate over the next 20 years.
There is a huge cost savings this way since Athenian will use the power generated to pay for the solar cell system.
It not only acts as a model for the students, who now get to learn first hand about alternative and zero emissions energy, but it also shows how energy companies and businesses alike can buy into the solar revolution, with little or no cost up front, and allow the system itself to pay it's own way.
Not only that, but 18 additional staff were brought in to help build and oversee the project, as well as implement some of the curriculum that will be taught to the students about their new mascot, the big 'A'.
Everyone wins here, but the real winners will be the students, who will learn for themselves that alternative energy really works.