AUSTIN, Texas — More than a dozen campuses in Austin will be the only Texas schools benefitting from a federal grant.
The U.S. Department of Energy picked Austin ISD to receive a federal grant to help fund the district's new solar panel program.
It's part of the district's ongoing efforts to use more solar power while reducing energy consumption and costs. So far, 14 Austin ISD facilities have rooftop panels, which produce the equivalent of powering 230 homes in the city.
The district says the $15 million grant will now fund solar initiatives at 14 other campuses in "historically underserved communities."
Austin ISD says the following 11 schools will get rooftop solar panels: Allison Elementary, Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Eastside Early College High School, Govalle Elementary, Houston Elementary. LBJ Early College High School, Norman-Sims Elementary, Rosedale School, Sanchez Elementary, T.A. Brown Elementary and Widen Elementary.
Meanwhile, Liberal Arts and Science Academy, Mendez Middle School and Rodriguez Elementary will receive both rooftop solar panels and building automation controls.
Lastly, Overton Elementary will receive building automation controls with the grant.