Solar Installation at Woodland Elementary Brings Clean Energy and Classroom Learning Together

When students leave for summer break on Tuesday, June 16, construction will begin on a new project at Woodland Elementary. Crews will install a rooftop solar energy system, making Woodland the first school in the Puyallup School District to receive a large-scale solar installation. 

The project is funded through a $1.7 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce Energy Division as part of its Community Decarbonization Grant program. The funding will fully support the installation of a 221.4-kilowatt solar array, at no cost to the district, allowing the school to generate a portion of its electricity from renewable energy. 

To prepare students for the project, representatives from McKinstry visited Woodland Elementary and spoke with students in grades K–6 about solar energy, construction, and how the system will work. 

The presentations quickly became interactive discussions, with students asking thoughtful questions about the project. 

One student asked why solar panels will be installed on only one side of the roof. Presenters explained that engineers evaluate each building carefully and select the area that receives the most sunlight throughout the year. This ensures the system produces as much electricity as possible. 

Another student asked why the panels will not be installed on portable buildings. Presenters explained that portable structures are designed differently than the main building. Factors such as roof strength, available space, and cost-effectiveness are considered, and the main building provides the best location for energy production.

Students also had questions about reliability. 

“What happens if it rains all day? Will our laptops stop working?” one student asked. 

Presenters explained that Woodland will remain connected to the electrical grid. While solar panels can generate electricity on cloudy days, the school will continue to draw power from the grid when needed. Students and staff will have consistent access to electricity regardless of weather conditions. 

Other questions focused on the physical aspects of the system. 

Students learned that a typical solar panel weighs between 40 and 50 pounds. Before installation, engineers assess the building to confirm that the roof can safely support the panels and related equipment. 

Students also asked how solar panels are made and how they function. Presenters explained that panels are primarily made from silicon, a material derived from sand. The silicon cells capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. 

When asked if solar panels store electricity, presenters clarified that the panels generate electricity but do not store it. The energy is used by the building or distributed through the electrical system. They also explained that panels continue to produce electricity in winter months. Although there is less daylight, colder temperatures can help panels operate efficiently. 

Students also asked what happens if a panel is damaged. Presenters explained that panels are designed to withstand weather conditions such as rain and wind. If a panel is damaged, it can be repaired or replaced without affecting the rest of the system. 

Students were especially interested in how much energy the system will produce. Once installed, the solar array is expected to generate approximately 31.5 percent of the school’s annual electricity needs. While it will not power the entire building, it will significantly reduce energy purchased from other sources. 

The project offers broader operational and environmental benefits. The system is expected to reduce electrical demand by approximately 263,100 kilowatt hours each year. Over an estimated 20-year lifespan, the district anticipates saving about $540,000 in energy and demand costs. These savings can be redirected to support educational programs and facility needs. 

Fun fact: An elementary student would need to do about 1.3 million jumping jacks to generate the same amount of energy that a 221.4‑kilowatt system produces in one hour. (1 kWh = 3.6 million joules, one jumping jack = about 600 joules) 

The solar array is also expected to offset approximately 184 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and expand the use of clean energy. 

The district will contribute to a local match of $86,346, helping maximize the value of the grant while limiting the impact on district resources. McKinstry, the district’s PowerED partner, will oversee the project from design through completion. 

For Woodland students, the project creates a hands-on learning opportunity. Teachers will be able to connect classroom lessons in science, engineering, and environmental stewardship to a real system on campus.

As construction begins this summer, student questions reflect the broader impact of the project. In addition to generating renewable energy, solar installation provides a practical example of how communities can use technology to meet future energy needs. 
 
To learn more about our PowerED Energy Management Program, visit our website at http://puyallupsd.org/energy