Rating:

5.0 (1 vote)

Renewable energy is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, so teachers at Great Falls High School are doing their part to make sure our students are prepared for the real world.

72 solar panels are now installed on the high school's south campus roof; they should require little to no maintenance and are projected to produce significant savings for the district.

Students are learning the mechanical components of the solar panels in an industrial technology course, and in science class, they're learning the chemistry behind renewable energy.

Students say it's fun schoolwork, and some are also focused on the benefits for the community and the whole country.

Sophomore Connor McLean said, "We're trying to help lower the cost and we're also helping everybody understand renewable energy and trying and help point this generation away from fossil fuels, because we're running out."

The south campus building is one of the most expensive buildings in the district to operate; the district expects to save nearly $2,500 each year with the solar panels.