The electric meter next to the principal's office at the elementary school in Media, Pa., is busy spinning -- backward.

It is marking the electricity not being used from the local power grid, thanks to the solar panels on the roof.

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"What happens when the sun hits those modules, it creates DC power," Sarah Hetznecker of Sun Technics explained. "That power is fed to an inverter inside the building that transforms it into AC, grid quality power.

"It generates 5 percent of the needs of the school," she added.

The elementary school, the library and fire station are among the five buildings in Media that use solar power, and plans to install at least three more are in the works.

All the buildings with solar panels are owned by the borough, including the refurbished theater that enjoys an $800 in energy savings annually.

"As a nonprofit, we're basically a break-even business," Theater Director Patrick Ward said. "Anything we can do to help our bottom line is a wonderful addition

"We feel like were part of a group committed to environmental issues," he added.

Besides saving money, the solar panels create electricity without burning carbon-creating fossil fuels.

"We've reduced our carbon emissions that cause pollution and cause mercury in fish and things like that by over 64,000 pounds a year," Borough Councilman Peter Alyanakian said.

The addition of more solar panels will increase the amount of carbon emitting-fuels that won't have to be used. For many, the panels are a matter of civic pride.

They are reminded of their solar success by a small green flag that flies below the stars and stripes at Media Elementary School, signifying that the school won the governor's award for environmental excellence.

The solar panels around town will remind students and adults that being environmentally responsible will save money and keep them healthy.