The Tennessee Valley Authority has paid a Kentucky school district a little more than $37,000 for producing electricity.

Richardsville Elementary School in Bowling Green became the first net-zero school when it opened, and  it is still the only major school building in the U.S. that also earns money from the energy it produces.

It is tangible evidence that the $12.1 million, 550-student, 77,466-square-foot school does more than just pay for itself - it brings in a little extra too.

Republican state Rep. Jim DeCesare of Bowling Green says the school has "exceeded expectations."

School district spokeswoman Joanie Hendricks said the payment from TVA goes into a separate account, which will be used to replace solar panels at Richardsville when they wear out.