Fitchburg Public Schools

Fitchburg Public Schools is dedicated to providing learning experiences which engage students in achieving high academic standards, preparing them for the challenges of living in today’s world. The district’s Reingold Elementary School educates 677 students in pre-kindergarten to grade four.

Challenge

While already among the best in the country, public schools in MA still strive to get the most out of their tight budgets, and provide the best education possible for their students. With energy costs in MA also being among the highest in the country, they saw the opportunity for solar as a viable option to open up money in their budget.  

Solution

Having recently replaced its roof in 2011, the elementary school became a viable candidate for solar, and began actively pursuing their options in following years. As a member of PowerOptions since 2004, Fitchburg Public Schools was able to participate in the PowerOptions Solar Program, in lieu of conducting their own RFP.

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, facilitated through the PowerOptions Solar Program. Under the agreement, Solect owns and operates the solar arrays, and sells the power generated back to the school at a reduced, fixed rate for the duration of the 20-year agreement. With the array installed, the Reingold Elementary School’s energy costs have been reduced by more than $40,000 per year.