In May, the Parkway School District Board voted to put solar panels in the Parkway schools, and it passed.  However, they delayed the project to begin this fall.

“Barretts Elementry School will be the first school to have the solar panels installed.  They are being installed near the end of September,” Parkway School District Financial Manager Erik Lueders said.

Parkway is leasing the solar energy from Brightergy Solar Solutions.

“The project is not costing Parkway any money down so Parkway will actually be saving money right away,” Brightergy Solar Solutions Representative Cindy Bambini said.

In the first year, Parkway is guaranteed to save a minimum of about $15,000.  In years after, they are guaranteed more.

“Each year that follows, we will save a minimum of $201,000 if Ameren’s rates do not rise.  But, if Ameren’s rates do rise, we will save more money,” Lueders said. “Within the next 20 years, we estimated that we will save about $1.2-1.4 million.”

The solar panels are going to provide about 2.2% for the districts electricity which is equivalent to about 100 homes, and is enough to power 1,243 100-watt light bulbs 24 hours a day for an entire year.

“The learning environment will not be effected.  The students and teachers will not notice a difference.  We will have an online website with live footage of the solar panels that both students and teachers can access.  If anything, it can benefit us,” Lueders said.

Because there is no upfront fee, the solar panels will not affect the tax dollars.

“In the long run, it will save the tax payer’s money,” Lueders said.

The maintenance work is minimal and will be provided by Brightergy Solar Solutions.

“We are hoping that this project receives nation wide attention and that we are looking to be a trendsetter for other school districts around Missouri and around the country,” Lueders said.