Racine Unified to vote on solar installations with $11.7M in projected savings

The Racine Unified School Board of Education is expected to vote July 21 on four solar panel projects that could reduce the district’s energy costs by approximately $11.7 million.

At the board’s July 7 work session, Chief Operations Officer Peter Reynolds explained that the district designed the projects to maximize self-funding sources and deliver strong financial returns. He emphasized the importance of reducing financial exposure to rising energy costs while enhancing sustainability.

The four proposed installations include:

• J.I. Case High School Rooftop Solar – Expected to offset 30% of energy use
  
• Gifford K-8 Roof and Ground Solar – Expected to offset 45%
  
• Goodland Montessori Elementary Ground Solar – Expected to offset 93%
  
• Walden III Middle and High School Rooftop Solar – Expected to offset 22%
  

Reynolds noted that Walden III’s roof requires replacement—an item not covered under the district’s referendum. 

“We are targeting the school’s gymnasium roof,” Reynolds stated. “We anticipate starting the replacement on June 15, with completion expected by December 1, 2026.”

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.

The district will partner with McKinstry, an energy service company, under a 25-year contract. According to RUSD Chief of Communication & Community Engagement Stacy Tapp, McKinstry will do the project implementation, which includes design, engineering, subcontracting, progress/savings monitoring and more.

Reynolds confirmed that all project costs are expected to be paid using savings generated by the installations. McKinstry will back the projects financially, guaranteeing energy savings will cover costs. The company will also handle ongoing maintenance.

District staff will gain access to a real-time dashboard, allowing them to monitor system performance. Reynolds said this feature could provide educational opportunities for students to learn about solar energy firsthand.

Addressing solar technological advancement and risks

Board member Mike Bellagio raised concerns about solar technology’s evolution over the 25-year lifespan of the contract. 

“What’s to say that technology doesn’t get better over the next 25 years?” he asked.

A McKinstry representative responded that while solar technology is improving, no significant near-term breakthroughs are expected. If the systems underperform, McKinstry will issue a check to cover the shortfall.

Board President Jane Barbian voiced her support for the shift toward solar. 

“I don’t think the community has any idea how much the district spends on electricity, heating, and air conditioning,” she said. “I’m sure they’d be shocked. Any money we can save is a good thing, and I’m glad we’re going to make this happen.”

The board will hear another presentation at the July 21 meeting before casting its vote on the solar projects.