1 of 13

Solar for Schools Makes Cents

WiRSA 2024 Breakout Session | Luke Schultz, Dr. Walter Leipart, & Aaron Benson

2 of 13

SOLAR ENERGY OVERVIEW

01

ENERGY SAVINGS & PAYBACK

02

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

03

QUESTIONS

04

CONTENTS

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

3 of 13

MEET THE PRESENTERS

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

Luke Schultz

Director of Facilities Management

CESA 10

Dr. Walter Leipart

Superintendent

School District of Gilman

Aaron Benson

VP & Sales Manager

Solar Connection, Inc.

4 of 13

Background

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

  • WI schools spend $175M annually on energy costs
  • Renewable energy can offset costs
  • Free up funds in school budgets

​

5 of 13

  • Decreases operational expenses
  • Decreases carbon emissions
  • Adds hands-on learning opportunities for students & staff

​

​

Benefits of Solar Energy

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

6 of 13

  • Calculating savings and payback

​

  • What is a ‘good’ payback?

​

Energy Savings & Payback

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

Typical Pay Off:

According to Solar Connection, a commercial solar system will pay for itself in 5-10 years! Equipment will last 30+ years, leaving more than 20 years of free electricity!

7 of 13

Gilman School District – Background

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

  • Process to gain approval
  • Why now?
  • Benefit to students and staff:
    • Tree-city USA
    • Career Exploration – micro-solar module
    • Solar on Schools and KEEP curriculum

​

​

8 of 13

Gilman SD – Project Overview

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

  • Installation of 124.2 kW Solar Array
  • Includes 272 450-watt modules, inverters, and racking
  • Located in open area near parking lot
  • Coordination with utilities to interconnect with existing infrastructure
  • Solar offset – 33%

​

​

9 of 13

Gilman SD – Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of this project is equivalent to:

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

10 of 13

Gilman SD – Financial Impact

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

Annual Rate of Return

9.7X

  • Total Project Cost: $151,689
  • Annual Energy Savings: $19,834
  • Payback: 7.6 years

​

​

* Includes grants, focus on energy incentives, solar on schools, federal elective pay credit.

Cost Per Watt

$2.20

Lifetime ROI

3.9X

11 of 13

Funding Opportunities

  • Federal Grants
  • Focus on Energy
  • Utility Rebates
  • Solar on Schools
  • Consortium Discount

​

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

12 of 13

Solar Consortium

  • CESA 10 released competitive RFP for solar contractor

​

  • Secured reduced pricing due to economies of scale

​

  • CESA 10 managed the vendor, contracts, and construction

​

  • Turn-key solution for Districts looking to incorporate renewable energy

​

​

​

​

​

www.cesa10.k12.wi.us

13 of 13

Questions?

facilities.cesa10.org

Cschneider@cesa10.k12.wi.us

Lschultz@cesa10.k12.wi.us

888-947-4701

Luke Schultz

Director of Facilities Management

CESA 10

Dr. Walter Leipart

Superintendent

School District of Gilman

Aaron Benson

Energy Consultant

Solar Connection