The ultimate question is “what would you do with a million dollars?” It is a hypothetical question people ask themselves and others about what they dream they could have someday. Now, the district needs to figure out what to do with the estimated $1.2 million being made over the next 20 years with the new solar project.
“The Parkway School District is a leader. As I considered moving here, I was so impressed with the many district-wide and personal recognitions and awards achieved,” Keith Marty, Parkway superintendent, said.”From the board of education to classrooms to our operations departments, Parkway has a wonderful track record of leaders providing outstanding instruction and service to our community and region.”
This solar project, which had its first installation at Barretts Elementary on Sept 17, is the largest solar project to date in the state of Missouri.
“I think this shows that the ability to install solar is very viable,” said Erik Leuders, Parkway sustainability and purchasing manager.
Leuders also mentioned how exciting it is to show what can be done with a project as large as this.
“This is something I think every business should go through with, if they have the means,” Leuders said.
The district is leasing the separate 25-kilowatt systems from Brightergy, a solar leasing company in the area. The yearly cost of energy for the district through Ameren UE was $78,579.
The worst case scenario through the solar panels is $70,500, unless the district pays annually, in which case the district get a 10 percent discount and the cost decreases to $63,450. Parkway pays on a monthly basis, if not.
“The solar panels will generate a guaranteed 1,077,912 kilowatts in the first year. Over 20 years, the savings based on anticipated electricity rate increases could reach an amount of savings of over $1.2 million,” Marty said.
There is also no up front cost. The district pays for no maintenance, and any damages or repairs fall on Brightergy.
The district also feels that this decision not only advances the district financially, but also has some other opportunities.
“We also gain outstanding instructional opportunities through these green activities,” Marty said.
The district plans to be able to wirelessly track the solar power and energy data through schools and classrooms.
“I intend to use the data from the solar panels somehow when we talk about energy in physics,” Jennifer Meyer, physics teacher, said.
Meyer also said that she will make the most of the data available to the schools and teachers.
“We can apply the data we gather from the solar panels to projects and lessons,” Meyer said. “I am excited that Parkway is being more environmentally responsible and passing that quality along.”
Although this is an opportunity for the district and the community, the district still has more energy to combat. This project will only be able to supply an estimated 2.2 percent of the district’s power over a year’s time.
“We still have a long way to go, there are still many ways we are able to make the district more environmentally green,” Leuders said.
Leuders said this project has been a dream come true, both personally and professionally.
“For me, I love it because my heart and soul is and always will be in all things green,” Leuders said.
