The grant totals $15 million and is awarded through a U.S. Department of Energy grant program, Renew America’s Schools. District officials said the grant would impact 15 schools—14 of which will receive rooftop solar panels, and four will receive building automation controls.
“These solar panels will enable us to harvest the sun's renewable energy, and building automation is going to let us monitor our HVAC systems in real time, helping better manage energy and mitigate potential problems,” AISD Director of Sustainability Darien Clary said.
The grant was finalized in May and will be implemented through 2029, Clary said.
The details
The grant will help the district increase its current 2 megawatts of energy generated by existing solar panels by an additional 5 megawatts, AISD Superintendent Matias Segura said. This means AISD generates more solar energy than any other Texas school district, Segura said.
The following schools will be receiving rooftop solar panels thanks to the grant:
- Allison Elementary School
- Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders
- Eastside Early College High School
- Govalle Elementary School
- Houston Elementary School
- LBJ Early College High School
- Norman-Sims Elementary School
- Rosedale School
- Sanchez Elementary School
- T.A. Brown Elementary School
- Widen Elementary School
- Liberal Arts and Science Academy
- Mendez Middle School
- Rodriguez Elementary
- Liberal Arts and Science Academy
- Mendez Middle School
- Rodriguez Elementary
- Overton Elementary School
“This expansion not only aligns with [AISD's] goals to improve sustainability, but also serves as a model for other school districts looking to integrate renewable energy solutions and modernize their facilities," Segura said.
