Solar panels getting installed at the high school. Photo by Coltrane Carlson-Raccoon Valley Radio
A project to help lower energy costs for the Greene County School District is nearing completion.
Superintendent Brett Abbotts says the elementary school is the closest building to starting up with solar energy in a couple of weeks, while the middle school will be about two weeks after that and the high school will be coming online approximately mid-November. He explains one critical step that is needed in order for the solar panels to be fully functional, which the elementary school has already been through.
“There is a day where both the middle school and the high school will have to be shut down. Thankfully, we do have full day PDs (Professional Development) where it won’t interrupt student learning where the buildings will actually get powered down basically while the interconnection happens and then they’ll turn back on.”
Abbotts reminds everyone the estimated savings that solar power will give the district overall.
“We’re spending anywhere between $525,000 and $600,000 a year in electrical costs. It’s estimated that that total, or overall cost, once we have the batteries up and running, taking off the demand charge that we’re going to be under $200,000. So we’re looking at potentially a $350,000 to $400,000 a year savings. 
Additionally, Abbotts says the district qualified for federal tax credits and will receive between $950,000 to $1.3 million on the $5.1 million authorization of Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) funds. He adds that the district is also applying for grants to further offset the cost. Abbotts appreciates working with One Source Solar, Story Construction and 8×8 Electrical Contracting in Ankeny.
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