District 26 Completes Solar Project, Expects $103K In Annual Savings

CARY, IL — Cary Community Consolidated School District 26 has completed a rooftop solar energy project at three district facilities that is expected to save approximately $103,000 annually in utility costs.

The installations, completed by Allied Facility Partners, include 1,429 solar panels and seven inverters with a combined capacity of 843 kilowatts, according to District 26 news release. The systems are projected to generate nearly 991,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, offsetting about 55 percent of the three facilities' electricity consumption.

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The project is expected to generate approximately $3.75 million in energy cost savings over its lifetime while reducing annual carbon emissions by an estimated 873 metric tons.

"This project represents a significant long-term investment in the future of Cary School District 26," said David Martin, the district's operations coordinator. "By combining the solar installations with our ongoing roof and facility improvements, we are improving the efficiency and sustainability of our buildings while being responsible stewards of District resources."

The project was completed through a Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract, which allows the district to use projected energy and operational savings to support the cost of facility improvements over time, according to a news release. Allied Facility Partners also coordinated utility incentives, renewable energy credits and other funding opportunities to help offset project costs.

The district has introduced a public-facing energy dashboard that allows students, staff and community members to monitor solar energy production and system performance in real time.

"We are also excited about the educational opportunity this project provides, giving our students and staff the chance to see renewable energy in action and better understand its impact on our community," Martin said.