How Student Health Unlocks School Energy Projects

This is the first piece in a series built on expert insights from Energy Advisor Greg Libecci of Generation180.

When a school district explores a large-scale solar project, the initial metrics are typically kilowatts and savings. But for district decision-makers focused on holistic success, the most persuasive justification isn’t just financial — it’s a direct investment in student health. The foundational “why” for today’s most successful energy projects can be a fundamental investment in student and community well-being.

Today’s students want real climate action and environmental stewardship. When districts look beyond just fiscal metrics, solar becomes much more meaningful. The focus shifts from abstract goals to immediate benefits for those in the building each day. This changes an infrastructure upgrade into a direct investment in a healthier, more effective learning environment.

A Health-First Approach

A focus on student well-being is now shaping school energy decisions across the country. There are now 8,971 K-12 schools nationwide with solar installations — more than doubling from 2014 through the end of 2023 — according to a report from Generation180, a national nonprofit working to advance clean energy action.

This student-centric approach is clearly demonstrated by the work of Greg Libecci, recently appointed Energy Advisor at Generation180 and former Sustainability & Energy Manager at Salt Lake City School District. During his tenure at Salt Lake City, Libecci helped reduce annual utility spending by $1.1 million and installed 3.5 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity. His justification for these ambitious projects was built on core principles, guided by his “Reduce and Produce” philosophy: first, reduce energy use, then produce clean energy. For him, one of the starting points for that conversation is student health.

Libecci spearheaded projects that went beyond just solar panels to include modernizing entire HVAC systems — replacing old, fossil-fuel-burning boilers with all-electric solutions like geothermal or air source heat pumps. He also implemented a lighting retrofit at 34 schools, converting all classrooms to LED with advanced controls, which improved the learning environment and created equity in all classrooms. This measure helped drop district-wide energy usage tremendously.

These projects offer direct health and environmental benefits. By modernizing facilities and removing onsite combustion, schools immediately improve the buildings where students and faculty spend their days.

When Air Quality Cancels Gym Class

This “invisible” benefit can be a challenge to communicate. Yet, as Libecci found, the abstract concept of air quality becomes intensely personal for students when it impacts them directly. For instance, students’ concern for their local environment peaked when poor air conditions forced the cancellation of their outdoor gym classes.

“When it’s a bad air quality day, students are not allowed outside,” Libecci noted. “They can’t go out and have gym because of the bad air quality.” This real-world consequence — losing their time to run and play — made the environmental crisis personal. Libecci recalled that the students even created a song, chanting, “Clean our air, clean our air, clean our air!”

This concrete student-focused perspective generates support among students, parents and school boards, allowing a large-scale infrastructure proposal to become a non-negotiable investment in student health.

From Mission to Megawatts: A Partner’s Role

Understanding the “why” is the key to getting a project approved. At Standard Solar, we are a strategic, end-to-end partner who recognizes that these mission-driven benefits are the foundation for any successful school project.

We help school leaders build this comprehensive business case. As a partner that develops, funds and operates projects long-term, we handle the complex financial and logistical hurdles, allowing district leaders to focus on their core educational mission.

Putting the “Why” to Work

With a track record of deploying over 130 solar systems for educational institutions across 10 states, totaling 40+ megawatts (MW), we have seen firsthand that successful solar growth depends on access to funding, technical expertise and a shared vision.

This focus on student well-being is central to our recent large-scale solar portfolio for two large school systems in the Mid-Atlantic. This collaboration, which includes rooftop arrays, off-site installations and solar-powered battery lighting, is a real-world execution of this student-centric approach.

These systems are now generating substantial clean energy annually, significantly reducing the districts’ environmental impact and cutting energy costs. Our work for these districts demonstrates this mission, reducing emissions while ensuring financial viability, often requiring no capital outlay for the schools involved. This creates savings that go directly back into more dollars for learning.

Ready to create a renewable energy project with a lasting impact on student well-being? Let us help you build the comprehensive case for a sustainable legacy. Connect with us to learn more about Standard Solar’s leadership in commercial and community solar and our project support from financing to operation.