Decatur schools to open bids for solar panel construction next month

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — The Decatur School Board heard an informational update at its meeting Tuesday night on the progress to put solar panels of the campuses of five or six schools.

The schools included in the plan are Ellsworth Dansby Magnet School, Franklin Grove Elementary School, Hope Academy, Muffley Elementary School, Stephen Decatur Middle School and Eisenhower High School. Advisors with Nania Energy recommend listing Dansby as an optional site.

The district will not be charged the installation of the solar panels, and will buy the power at a fixed rate, which officials expect to be a lower rate than the current grid power.

The company will get the financial incentives and be responsible for maintenance on the panels.

Consultants estimate the solar panels would save more than $100,00 in the first year and up to $6 million in 25 years.

“You get an opportunity for long-term savings without any additional capital investment,” Aaron Raftery of Nania Energy said at the meeting.

The next step includes publishing a Request for Proposal, which is scheduled for next month. The RFP will close in November.

Officials estimate if approved, construction on the project could start next summer and finish by Fall 2025.

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