‘It takes us to a new level:’ School officials back Pa. bill to fund solar energy in districts [Video]

CARLISLE, Pa. — They’re soaking up the sun and powering education in Cumberland County.

Carlisle Area School District completed a $2 million project more than a decade ago, filling the fields near Wilson Middle and Bellaire Elementary with hundreds of solar panels.

“It’s fantastic for our buildings that we’re using our own energy that we’re creating in Carlisle and it’s fantastic for our kids because it’s a learning tool that they see every single day,” said Dr. Colleen Friend, superintendent of schools.

The Carlisle Area School District installed these solar panels in 2010 and 2011. Since then, it’s reported savings of about 14% in electricity costs.

“Bellaire Elementary School is completely run off the solar panels,” Friend said. “The economic savings to the district is incredible.”

If the schools don’t use the energy …