Fitchburg Public Schools are known for fostering high academic standards and preparing students to achieve greater educational goals. The district’s Reingold Elementary School educates nearly 677 students, from pre-kindergarten to grade four.

Challenge

Regarded as one of the country’s best states for education, Massachusetts’ public schools often find the budget impacted by energy expenses, among other factors, as the state’s energy costs are also among the country’s highest. As a result, educational institutions are considering solar implementation to gain robust and effective protection against volatile energy rates and create additional room in the budget for further infrastructural development and beyond.

Solution

Following a roof-replacement project, the elementary school actively explored the option of implementing solar.
As a PowerOptions member since 2004, Fitchburg Public Schools participated in the PowerOptions Solar Program, which facilitated their transition to solar and paved the way for them to achieve further financial benefits and more.

Results

$40,000 yearly savings on electricity costs

The solar arrays at Reingold Elementary and Memorial Middle School were financed and constructed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Solect, powered by the PowerOptions Solar Program. According to the agreement, Solect owns and operates the solar arrays and sells the power generated back to the school at a reduced, fixed rate for a stipulated period (in this case, 20 years). With the array installed, the Reingold Elementary School’s energy costs have been reduced by more than $40,000 annually.