Berryville School District is investing in solar, with the development of a new solar array that is projected to cover 80 percent of the district’s electricity needs.
The district broke ground on the system, a one megawatt array single-axis tracking array, on Thursday, June 3. The system will feature more than 3,000 solar panels.
“Berryville School District wants to be good stewards of our resources. Investing in utility-scale solar is the most cost-effective way to benefit all who work and learn in Berryville Schools, while also investing in a green, clean, renewable source of generation right here in our own community,” Berryville School District Superintendent Owen Powell said in a statement.
Today’s Power Inc. (TPI) is developing the solar project, which will also own the array. The Berryville School District will purchase energy produced by the system as part of a 25-year solar power service agreement. As a result, the district will not be responsible for maintenance or operation costs for the solar array.
“TPI is proud to be partnering with Berryville Schools. With this solar array, the district will produce green energy, which will benefit all of its students by lowering the school’s energy costs. In addition, it will be an excellent educational resource. It’s rare that one project will help so many students, teachers, and staff,” TPI president Michael Henderson said.
Today’s Power expects to have the array completed by the end of 2021.
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