On FCPS.edu, it reads “Fairfax County Public Schools inspires and empowers students to meet high academic standards, lead healthy, ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens.” This ambitious statement can be easier said than done. It is difficult adapting to a changing world and keeping up with cutting-edge innovations while struggling with budget cuts. Spending seems synonymous with technological advancement... and this is often the case. However, there is an exception: solar panels. Along with protecting the environment, installing solar panels in FCPS schools would lower costs and provide educational tools for the “ethical” and “innovative” education Fairfax County aims to promote.

Beyond the environmental benefits and moral obligations involved with utilizing alternative energy, solar panels would save schools money. Various organizations offer school districts the option to take advantage of a Power Purchase Agreement that spans a specified period of time. In this contract, the organization installs, prepares and maintains the solar panels for free. In return, the schools pay the organization for some of the solar energy generated for the predetermined amount of time. In that time, the school pays the organization less than its original payment to the electric power company. After the specified period of time is over, the school district may choose to either enter another Power Purchase Agreement or to continue the solar panel use without it. The end result is that schools have free solar panels with guaranteed performance, and still save money from the free solar energy!

In addition to being the best economic option, installing solar panels in FCPS best embodies the county’s ideals of ethics and innovation. With advanced engineering, solar panels help educate students in STEM fields, as well as in the fields of greater global development like economics and sustainability. Not much can prepare students more for the “real-world” than a direct application of an interdisciplinary movement.

Installing solar panels in FCPS would also represent a greater movement. As one of the leading school counties in the United States, Fairfax County sets an example to other school districts. It is imperative that we jump on inventive opportunities that distinguish us as the leading school district that we are. In doing so, we encourage schools across the nation to follow our lead.

We urge FCPS School Board to take advantage of a Power Purchase Agreement to save the planet, save money, and teach students how to live sustainably, thereby improving our own county and inspiring other counties to take environmental initiative. We urge FCPS School Board to install solar panels in our schools.