$15M federal grant will expand Austin ISD’s solar panel program

Austin ISD has been picked as the only Texas school district to receive a federal grant to fund solar panels at 14 campuses in historically underserved communities. Those rooftop panels produce 2 megawatts of energy, the equivalent of powering 230 homes in Austin, and the district anticipates an additional 5 megawatts with money from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools Grant program. The following schools will receive rooftop solar: 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 and Widen Elementary School. The following schools will receive both rooftop solar and building automation controls: Liberal Arts and Science Academy, Mendez Middle School and Rodriguez Elementary. Overton Elementary School will receive building automation controls.