Construction is set to begin on a new solar power system at Tremont Middle/High School this month, in a project that is designed to provide all the energy needs of the building; as well as save the school district money in the future. There are three areas where solar panels are being installed -- 1) a ground-mounted array; 2) panels on the roof of our bus maintenance shed;  and 3) panels that will go on top of a newly-constructed bus canopy that will provide protection from the elements for the school buses. The construction of the system is paid for by the solar company, Hawk-Attollo, and the investors who contributed financially.  They will benefit from the tax incentives and other rewards that come from solar installations.  The school district will not own the system, but will instead purchase the electricity it produces from Hawk-Attollo at a rate that is cheaper than current electric rates.

Savings for the school district are expected to be between $15,000 - $20,000 a year. After six years, the district has the option to purchase the system at any time at fair market value and would no longer have to purchase any of the power it produces.  This could save the district more than $50,000 per year.  When, or if, the district decides to buy the system will depend on cost and the state of the district's finances at the time.  There is no obligation to purchase the system, so the district could simply continue purchasing the electricity generated.

Discussions for the project began in the spring of 2019 and the district signed a power purchase agreement with Hawk-Attollo in December 2019. However, there have been some delays along the way. Covid-19 really slowed progress, especially when it was time to start lining up investors. There were also details that needed to be hammered out with the City of Tremont itself, such as approval for the ground array and its location. Finally, delays in material shipments have put a damper on the project.

The Mail reached out to Sean Berry, Superintendent of the Tremont School District, and asked him how the district plans to utilize any monetary savings the “solar system” may generate. “Like most districts, budgets are tight so any savings is appreciated.  The savings from the solar system will help our bottom line and will also allow for more flexibility to put funds toward our programs.  With the potential of purchasing the system after 6 years, or anytime thereafter, we could also set aside some of the savings to eventually put toward the purchase of the system. It's unknown at this point how much the system will cost at various points of its life, but we certainly analyze that as it becomes more clear. Our education fund has had a deficit for several years so any savings will help alleviate some pressure on that fund.  Until we see how the savings materialize, it's difficult to say exactly how that money will be allocated, but we certainly intend to continue to improve the programs that are available to our students and staff.

Sean continued, “The bus canopy will be a nice addition to provide some cover for our buses during winter weather.  I'm amazed that it was cost-effective for the bus canopy to be built as part of the project, but again, it comes at no cost to the district so we'll gladly enjoy the benefits. Anytime we can save taxpayer money while improving our facilities, it is certainly a good thing.”

Installation of the solar power system is being handled by Pekin’s Porter Electric and current plans call for a completion date of February 21st.