Repairs begin on 32 schools in TDSB solar rooftop plan

A plan to install solar panels on the rooftops of Toronto schools will get underway this fall, as crews begin repairson 32 buildings across the city.

The Toronto District School Board is working in partnership with energy firmPotentia Solar Inc. to install solar panels on 311 school rooftops over the next three years.

Once installed, the panels will generate enough energy to power 4,500 homes each year.Revenue generated from the project will be used to fund much-needed repairs and replacementon school rooftops across the city.

"We're very proud that our students will be part ofthe conversation in terms of environmental education, part of the conversation to see how the roofs will be impacted," said Donna Quan, director of education at the TDSB.

The plan was first announced in 2011. Most of the project costs will come from private solar energy companies with someprovincial funding.

It's one of the largest capital projects of any school board in North America, and the largest in Canada.

Watch the report by CBC News' Marivel Taruc for more.