The Greene County Community Schools Board has awarded a contract for a solar energy project to Story Construction during a special meeting held on June 2, 2025. The total cost for the photovoltaic energy installations is estimated at $4.3 million, which includes a guaranteed maximum price of $4,089,718 for the base bid. This amount covers preconstruction and bidding period services.
In addition to the base bid, the board approved bid alternates that will incorporate a battery energy storage system (BESS) at the high school, which will involve a reduction in the size of the solar panel array. Furthermore, a BESS will also be added to the elementary school with a revised plan. The inclusion of these bid alternates adds $198,937, bringing the total project cost to $4,288,655.
During the public hearing, four attendees raised questions and offered comments regarding the project, particularly concerning potential federal legislation and tax credits. Superintendent Brett Abbotts indicated that he, alongside Modus Engineering and Story Construction, is monitoring these possibilities. He noted that if tax credits become available, they could cover between 25 to 40 percent of the total cost, although these credits can only be claimed after project completion. The credits would be paid to Story Construction, which would then return the funds to the school as miscellaneous income.
Another attendee inquired about the performance decline of solar panels over time. Abbotts acknowledged that solar panels typically lose efficiency at a rate of approximately 0.5 to 1 percent per year, and reassured that warranties and projected savings account for this reduction.
Although the public had previously commented on the project’s design several months ago, someone raised a question regarding battery storage as part of the current project. While battery storage is not included in this phase, it is being considered for a future phase.
The financing for the project is already secured, with the school district having approved a loan note for $5.1 million last August. Payments will be sourced from the physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) revenue. The district has invested these funds until project-related expenses arise, with Abbotts estimating a potential net gain of $250,000 in interest over the investment’s lifespan.
Abbotts also provided insights into the payback period for savings on utility costs once the photovoltaic system is installed. The payback period is estimated at 20 years for the elementary and middle school systems, while the high school system is expected to have a payback period of just 11 years. Solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the elementary and middle schools, with the high school array located west of the Career Academy. Abbotts emphasized that the planning process was intentional to prevent the placement of panels in areas designated for educational purposes.
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