Some students attended a Tuesday ribbon cutting for Claymont’s solar project at the high school.
The panels went live earlier this month and it’s possible through a 25-year lease with maintenance and upkeep by the supplier.
Justin Kearney with Titan Energy says utilizing the suns power will create a savings for the district.
“The resulting solar array is expected to cover approximately 90% of the school’s usage and over the next 25 years, this project is estimated to save the school $1 million.”
Jeff Borton with TMI explains the school will still utilize AEP electricity during times when lesser solar energy is produced.
“The school uses about 1.1 million kwh per year. This system will produce 850 to 900,000 kwh during the year. Anytime the energy being the produced by the array is higher than that of the school we export that energy back to AEP. The meter that AEP is using will track the export energy. The following month, when we’re using energy from AEP, they only charge us for the energy that’s not exported.”
Claymont Superintendent Brian Rentsch explains the solar array is projected to cover roughly 90% of the high school’s electric usage.
“Symbolizes our districts commitment to sustainable future, fiscal responsibility, and providing our students with the best way possible for a learning environment.”
Claymont is the second district in Tuscarawas County to utilize solar energy as Newcomerstown was the first. In addition, the Village of Newcomerstown has a 25-year agreement for a solar array next to the water and sewage treatment plants.
Additionally, Claymont students Grady McQuillan and Kayden Mercer designed the identifying sign.
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