A local middle school is saving green by going green and their hard work is paying off in a big way.

Sierra Middle School was the first school in California to join the PG&E Solar Schools Program. It makes science fun by showing students how their everyday actions can positively impact the environment.

PG&E honored the students and faculty for their hard work Thursday with a 20 kilowatt solar array, which features solar panels on top of a structure to provide shade on the school's playground. It will provide enough electricity for more than half the school. PG&E says it is a win-win, not for only the environment, but the school and its students.

"It's a great educational tool for the students. It's going to save the school about $6,000 a year in energy costs. That's energy they would have had to buy off our grid, and it's going to reduce a million pounds of CO2 admissions over the next 20 years," said Shawn Cooper, PG&E.

Sierra Middle School is the first school in California to receive such a large solar structure, paid for by PG&E.

"The Kids for Solar Energy Club" at the school has been promoting solar energy and green projects year-round for the past eight years.