Students are returning to classes across the Valley this week, and dealing with the summer heat is an issue for many schools.
In the Madison School District, officials are using solar panels to provide shade and save money at three of the district's eight schools.
"Many of the areas that are being covered are areas that are common areas where kids play, so it could be basketball courts, it could be playgrounds, so it serves dual purpose, which is very nice," district superintendent Tim Ham said.
In addition to the solar panels, the district said it has already saved more than $100,000 in energy costs.