Longview ISD approved a $12.7 million energy savings contract to install solar panels across 10 district facilities, generating an estimated $18.6 million in long-term savings and benefits for taxpayers.
The project, funded through the 2024 bond in partnership with Schneider Electric, will install a total of 4.2 megawatts (MW) of rooftop and ground-mounted solar panels across 10 campuses. The construction is scheduled to be complete by early 2026.
Utility savings are projected at $451,000 annually. In addition, Longview ISD expects a $4.7 million reimbursement from the federal Investment Tax Credit, bringing the total financial benefit of the project to over $23.3 million for the district.
“This project not only offers a way to offset future utility cost escalations, but also plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of our 2024 bond,” said Dr. Wayne Guidry, Longview ISD Chief Financial Officer.
The following will receive rooftop solar panels:
East Texas Montessori Prep Academy
Ned E. Williams Elementary
Longview High School
Ground-mounted panels will be at:
Hudson PEP Elementary
Ware Elementary
Forest Park Middle School
Foster Middle School
Longview ISD Administration
Johnston-McQueen Elementary and Judson Middle School will receive a combination of both.
In order to track the construction progress go to our solar tracker page.
Environmentally, the project is expected to generate more than 6.7 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and avoid 9.2 million pounds of harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
The district has partnered with Schneider Electric since 1995, and throughout their partnership, they have prioritized improving energy efficiency across Longview facilities and providing a better learning environment for students, like their donation toward a bee observatory at Longview High School. These initiatives provide students with hands-on learning experiences and contribute to the district’s farm-to-table program, which has produced thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually.
For more information on how Schneider Electric helps Longview ISD and other school districts tackle their top priorities with energy efficiency and funding solutions, please visit www.se.com/us/enable.
By Brianna Dzudie