The school district in Roanoke, Virginia, is fitting seven school buildings with rooftop solar panels in what’s being reported as the first project of its kind for the city’s owned buildings.
A Virginia solar company will install 3,667 solar panels at the buildings, which consist of two elementary schools, four middle schools and the administration building, according to a local news report. In addition to the installation, the solar agreement will enable the school district to start a program to train students as solar power technicians.
The school district projects an energy cost saving of $8.4 million over the life of the 25-year contract for the solar agreement and a long-term saving of about $3 million when considering operational costs.
Roanoke County Public Schools was $1 million over budget for utility bills last year, prompting school officials to consider implementing more solar into its energy program, according to the Roanoke Rambler website.
Dave Lubach is executive editor for the facility market.
