Power is coming in a different form for many Prince William County schools this year.
Twelve facilities are receiving solar power systems, according to a release from Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS).
Jennifer Rokasky, who serves as a PWCS energy and sustainability team member and Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) project lead, said in a release that she is excited about the solar power plan.
“Not only will this help the school division save money, but it will help move PWCS away from nonrenewable energy sources and toward reducing our greenhouse gas emissions,” Rokasky added.
Starting in the spring and continuing throughout the remainder of 2023, arrays will be added at three high schools, two middle schools, and seven elementary schools.
The amount of energy created by the school system after the solar power systems installation is finished will be about the same as powering 779 homes.
Solar power systems will be added to the roofs at these institutions:
- Battlefield High School in Haymarket
- Beville Middle School in Dale City
- Chris Yung Elementary School in Bristow
- Covington-Harper Elementary School in Dumfries
- Freedom High School in Woodbridge
- Gainesville High School
- John D. Jenkins Elementary School in Woodbridge
- Kilby Elementary School in Woodbridge
- Kyle Wilson Elementary School in Woodbridge
- Leesylvania Elementary School in Woodbridge
- Minnieville Elementary School in Dale City
- Potomac Shores Middle School in Dumfries
The initiative is possible due to a partnership between PWCS and Secure Solar Futures.
“The schools will showcase solar power systems right on location. That will send a powerful message to students that they don’t have to wait for the clean energy economy to arrive in the future. It’s already here,” Secure Solar Futures CEO Ryan McAllister said in a release. “[Going] solar makes Prince William County Schools a national leader on clean energy and sustainability.”
They have a 25-year PPA, which means that Secure Solar Futures owns and runs the equipment. The power will be sold back to the school division, which doesn’t have a capital investment up front. Throughout the 25 years, an estimated total energy cost savings of about $16 million is expected.
