Located in Bristol County, Massachusetts, the Fall River Public Schools (FRPS) District is committed to delivering a comprehensive, high-quality education that empowers students to reach their full potential and become responsible citizens.

Goals and opportunities

The Durfee High School campus was undergoing redevelopment, with sustainability and a net-zero energy goal being key priorities for both the city and the project team. Solect was responsible for planning, designing, engineering, and scheduling the solar component within this large-scale project. The challenge was executing all deliverables while meeting the project manager’s requirements: staying on time, within budget, and fostering effective teamwork.

Solution

As a PowerOptions (PO) member, FRPS collaborated with Solect Energy through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to install a 348.4 kW rooftop solar system. Solect handled the design, financing, installation, and ongoing system maintenance. Additionally, Our team worked on-site with the broader project crew, overseeing electrical engineering, building renovations, electrical infrastructure updates, and beyond. The school district benefits from purchasing the energy generated by the system at a reduced, stable rate for the next 20 years.

Results

Year 1 Forecast Savings: $10,600

The rooftop system has delivered significant financial and environmental benefits. In its first year, the system is expected to save $10,600, and over its 20-year contract, it will save an estimated $522,000. Beyond financial savings, the system will offset 608,000 lbs of carbon annually, leading to a total carbon offset of 5,800 tons over the contract period. This annual carbon offset is equivalent to the emissions from an average gasoline-powered car driving 705,337 miles. Over the entire contract term, the carbon offset is comparable to the annual sequestration of 6,143 acres of U.S. forests.