Barrington School District 220 is moving forward with plans to spend $7.7 million to install solar panels on the roofs of three school buildings.
At a school board meeting last month, seven board members gave a thumbs up to David Bein, district assistant superintendent of business services, to move forward with legal review of a potential contract to install solar panels at Barrington High School, Barrington Middle School- Prairie campus and Barrington Middle School- Station campus.
After a lengthy board presentation at the July 11 board meeting on various leasing or ownership models, Bein recommended the board make a $7.7 million initial investment for ownership which would result in $5.5 million in rebates and incentives, with a return of $3.7 million to the district in the first year.
The investment would be covered by the district’s current capital funds budget, he said.
Board members agreed it would be a “win-win” for the district due to the long-term energy cost savings and would be in line with the district’s stewardship strategic plan.
“We feel this is an important consideration as we look to the future,” Bein told the board, adding that his team looked at sustainable energy options across the district and various providers throughout the last seven months. “Solar is a viable option.”
More here.
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