by Brianna Crandall — March 26, 2018 — In what is said to be the first-of-its-kind public-private partnership (P3) solar project in Michigan, Standard Solar, a Rockville, Maryland-based solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of solar electric systems nationwide, just announced it will design, build, finance, operate and maintain solar arrays at all seven schools within the Flushing Community Schools district in Flushing, Michigan.
The company estimates that the renewable energy generated by the 1.1 megawatt (MW) of combined arrays will save the school district $45,000 annually.
Roof-mounted arrays will be installed on Springview Elementary, Central Elementary, Seymour Elementary, Early Child Center and Flushing Middle School. Ground-mount arrays will be installed at Elms Elementary and Flushing High School. The energy produced by these seven arrays will offset nearly 100% of the district’s entire current electric loads, says Standard Solar.
Daryl A. Pilon, M.E. at Standard Solar, pointed out:
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. We are excited about this project and appreciate the great partnerships in place to make this project a reality for the school district.
Flushing Community Schools Finance Director Kelly Stearns remarked:
The Board of Education and the administration take stewardship very seriously, whether it’s stewardship of taxpayer money or natural resources. This transaction will save the district $45,000 every year. That’s $45,000 more in our general fund, which 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.
Miller Canfield’s Renewable Energy Finance team acted as legal counsel for the school district. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2018. For more information, visit the Standard Solar Web site.
