Anne Jayne, a fifth-grade teacher, is working on a curriculum about alternative energy to go with the solar panels and complement the science that students already are learning. She said there will be something for students in every grade.

"It's a great opportunity," said Ramona Soto, principal at South/West Park School. "Not only will they be learning science, but they will be able to live science. We seldom get that opportunity."

An eight-panel, 1-kilowatt solar module will be installed at the school in the next three to six months, she said. The school was one of 40 in the PG&E service area to receive the solar panels, according to the company's Web site. The panels will be set 8 feet off the ground in a location where students will be able to view them, Jayne said. "It's really exciting," she added.

Students will learn about different ways to harness energy, how the weather affects energy consumption, why it's beneficial to conserve energy, how wind energy works in the area and more.

"There are so many things kids can learn," Jayne said. "Little things to do in their own homes."

Students also will be able to check in on other schools with solar panels, seeing which schools are generating more energy and why.

There also will be plenty of hands-on activities. Later on,