It isn’t just US schools struggling to make ends meet. The Toronto District School Board estimates that its schools are in need of nearly $3 billion in roof repairs.
The school board intends to finance repairs by installing solar panels on 450 of its 558 schools (some schools are not suitable for panels because of location and design) and sell the electricity that’s generated back to Ontario’s main utility company.
The panels will be installed in two phases: the first will develop 30 megawatts of electricity. The second will add another 36 megawatts. The amount is miniscule by most standards, but is enough to generate the revenue needed to address roofs in most need of repair over the next four years.
Currently Ontario’s government is pro-alternative energy investments, but a potential change in political parties in October’s elections could complicate the venture.
