Solar field to power Claymont High School
DENNISON (WJER) (April 15, 2024) – Claymont officials are moving forward with a partnership that’s expected to save the district over $40,000 in utility costs annually.
The board of education last week agreed to enter into a contract with TMI Energy Solutions to install solar panels in a field next to the high school. The vote came Monday evening after company President Jeff Borton gave a presentation on the 25-year agreement.
“Eighty to ninety percent of your electricity will be generated by this solar array… With your current spend with AEP, we’re anticipating $40,000 to $43,000 a year in savings”
TMI will install and operate the panels that a separate investment company will own during the contract. After that, the district can either buy the system or extend the agreement.
“But the truth of the matter is this: At the end of 25 years when you say to the financier, ‘I don’t think I want this system any longer.’ They’re gonna say, ‘Are you sure because we’d like to make you a deal?’ And they’re either going to make a deal to sell it to you very inexpensively or they’re gonna make you a deal to cut your rate.”
Board member Martha Campbell thought it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
“I also think it’s really important, especially knowing what our financial forecast looks like at this point, to capitalize on saving more money.”
The company can now start ordering materials and schedule the installation. Borton is confident the system will be operational by the end of this year, possibly as early as Thanksgiving.