A Flushing, Michigan, school district will soon be part of a solar project that is forecast to save the community $45,000 annually. The 1.1 megawatt solar project by Standard Solar, Inc. is a first-of-its-kind public-private solar project partnership in Michigan. A combination of roof or ground mounted arrays will offset nearly 100% of the district’s entire current electric loads.
“Public-private partnerships are an ideal option for educational facilities and municipal governments looking to reduce their energy costs and be stewards of the environment,” said Daryl A. Pilon, M.E. at Standard Solar. “We are excited about this project and appreciate the great partnerships in place to make this project a reality for the school district.”
Standard Solar, Inc. is a solar energy company that specializes in developing and financing solar electric systems nationwide. It will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain solar arrays at all 7 schools within the district in Flushing, Michigan. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2018.
“The Board of Education and the administration take stewardship very seriously, whether it’s stewardship of taxpayer money or natural resources,” said Kelly Stearns, finance director for Flushing Community Schools. The $45,000 annual savings to the general fund, she noted, “can be spent in the classrooms. At the same time, our students will have the opportunity to learn about renewable energy, and to have a very up-close relationship with its productions, which enhances our STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs.”