More than 300 schools in Arizona Public Service's territory will be taking part in a solar power incentive program offered by APS.

“When parents drive by their neighborhood school this summer, they’ll see empty playgrounds, but solar panels hard at work,” Jim Piotrowski, APS director of solar generation, said. “And, every year, when the students come back to school, they’ll be able to soak up knowledge in classrooms that are powered by the sun – experiencing renewable energy and environmental lessons firsthand.”

Nearly 60 of the 300 solar installations are owned and operated by APS, producing 16 megawatts of clean energy. The rest are owned and operated by third-party vendors. The solar arrays provide shade for playgrounds and parking lots while giving students a chance to learn about renewable energy.

“Driving by Arizona schools that are powered by the sun should remind all Arizonans of this state’s bright future,” Piotrowski said. “Both from the leaders of tomorrow and the energy that powers our lives. APS is proud to play a role in both.”