Knox County Schools Add Solar Energy as Part of County Initiative

Eleven schools in Knox County, TN will get new solar photovoltaic panels as a result of a deal between the county and a private partner.

The $12.45 million project comprises 14 arrays--11 at as many schools and one more each at the county's Central Building and its detention and juvenile justice facilities--and is projected to save the county more than $29 million in energy savings over its three-decade span.

One of the arrays, a sample installation at L&N STEM Academy, will feature a kiosk with a monitoring display to provide interactive learning opportunities for students.

"In addition to the financial and environmental benefits, this project will provide our school system with a tremendously valuable educational tool to teach our students about renewable energy technologies, and emphasize to the future leaders of our community the importance of sustainability," said Jim Mclntyre, superintendent of Knox County Schools, in a prepared statement.

Amaresco began construction on the arrays, which together total more than 5 megawatts, in August. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2016.

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • abstract pattern of cybersecurity, ai and cloud imagery

    Report Identifies Malicious Use of AI in Cloud-Based Cyber Threats

    A recent report from OpenAI identifies the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime, social engineering, and influence operations, particularly those targeting or operating through cloud infrastructure. In "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: June 2025," the company outlines how threat actors are weaponizing large language models for malicious ends — and how OpenAI is pushing back.

  • student using a tablet with math symbols dissolving into a glowing AI

    Survey: Students Say AI Use Can Reduce Math Anxiety

    In a recent survey, 56% of high school students said that the use of artificial intelligence can go a long way toward reducing math anxiety.

  • robotic elements such as a mechanical arm, AI brain, microchip, and wheeled robot in a muted blue color scheme

    California District to Build New Robotics Facility for Student Creativity and Collaboration

    California's Fremont Union High School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new Robotics Facility on the campus of Cupertino High School. The 14,500-square-foot facility will serve students at high schools across the entire district, providing purpose-built spaces for student creativity and collaboration.

  • teenager interacts with a chatbot on a computer screen

    Character.AI Rolls Out New Parental Insights Feature Amid Safety Concerns

    Chatbot platform Character.AI has introduced a new Parental Insights feature aimed at giving parents a window into their children's activity on the platform. The feature allows users under 18 to share a weekly report of their chatbot interactions directly with a parent's e-mail address.