$5.2 million solar panel project approved by RUSD Board of Education

RACINE, WI — Racine Unified School Board of Education (RUSD) approved a $5.2 million solar panel project initiative at Monday’s board meeting.

RUSD Chief Operations Officer Peter Reynolds presented the project to board members at the July 7 work session meeting.

The following locations and expected energy offsets include:

• J.I. Case High School Rooftop Solar – 30% energy offset
  • Timeline: Sept. 15 to Dec. 15
• Gifford K-8 Roof and Ground Solar – 45%
  • Timeline: Sept. 15 to Dec. 15
• Goodland Montessori Elementary Ground Solar – 93%
  • Timeline: Aug. 15 to Dec. 15
• Walden III Middle and High School Rooftop Solar – 22%
  • Timeline: June 15 for roof replacement to Dec. 1, 2026.

Energy offset refers to the proportion of a building’s energy consumption that is covered by a specific source, such as the solar panels being installed.

Solar panel project could save up to $11.6 million

The solar installations carry an initial capital cost of $5.2 million. The district projects $11.6 million in avoided electricity costs and a 9.7% reduction in electric and natural gas expenses, Reynolds said.

Funding will include:

• $1.1 million in federal incentives
• $62,000 from Focus on Energy, a partner with Wisconsin utilities that gives incentives and rebates for renewable energy projects.

These figures yield a total estimated net return of $12.8 million.

According to RUSD Chief of Communication & Community Engagement Stacy Tapp, project partner McKinstry will do the project implementation, which includes design, engineering, subcontracting, progress/savings monitoring and more.

Reynolds confirmed that all solar panel project costs are expected to be paid using savings generated by the installations.

Next step for the solar panel projects is to obtain local permits, design and construct the panels with each school’s timeline, Tapp said. The permits will and approvals will need to come from the school’s municipalities, Tapp added.

Also at the meeting, RUSD board approved the purchase of new projectors and classroom Chromebooks for the upcoming school year.

The price for the projectors, associated hardware, installation and integration services is $564,894.76.

It cost the district $991,725 for the personal devices, paid via referendum funds, according to the district’s board agenda. The district is purchasing 2,500 Chromebooks.