Solar Installation at Ozark School District Reduces Energy Consumption

Solar Installation Helps Drive School District Savings

Facing multiple HVAC and building controls issues in district facilities, forward-thinking district leaders at Ozark School District in Ozark, Missouri sought innovative solutions to address their challenges. Inefficient HVAC at the district’s high school was not only causing continuous building comfort complaints but also incurring excessive annual maintenance costs of $153,000.

Collaborating with Trane, the district implemented a comprehensive energy- and cost-saving plan to overhaul its infrastructure. A key component of this project was the addition of a solar installation, which leveraged funding for renewable solutions. This solar initiative not only contributed to significant energy savings but also underscored the district’s commitment to sustainability and long-term cost efficiency.

“Working with an industry leader that holds localized expertise ensures that the district can develop a plan that maximizes rebate utilization and delivers a strong return on investment,” said Jason Dial, Ed.D., a retired public-school superintendent who serves as a General Sales Manager and Public Sector Consultant for Trane.

Solar Installation Makes Use of Empty Field

The solar installation at West Elementary effectively utilized unused outdoor space, helping to significantly reducing the grounds crew’s maintenance workload. “West Elementary is situated in a large field and our guys had to mow a lot of acres there, so it was a perfect spot to put in some solar panels and put a fence around it,” said Mark Fraught, Director of Grounds and Facilities, Ozark Public Schools.

While initially hesitant about solar energy, Dr. Curtis Chesick, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, now fully supports its benefits. “Solar technology has advanced, offering a much quicker payback period. Previously, the long payback time made it an unviable option,” Chesick noted.

The district quickly reaped the benefits of the new solar installation at West Elementary. Over the first three weeks, the solar installation generated over 75 MWh of energy. The system is capable of producing 700 kW of power at peak production. District leaders were pleased with the outcome, citing that the elementary school building, despite being built in 2009, was historically the most inefficient due to its ineffective heat strips.

“To put it in perspective, although the high school is 260,000 square feet and West Elementary is 79,000 square feet their winter electric bills used to be almost identical,” said Fraught. “So, by installing solar panels, we’ve achieved remarkable savings.”

Solar Reduces Electricity Costs by Two-Thirds

“Before the solar panels were installed, we were spending about $148,000 annually on electricity for West Elementary,” said Chesick. “With the new solar roof and field installations, we expect to generate about $100,000 worth of energy each year,” he explained.  “As a result, the school’s annual electric bill with the solar arrays is projected to decrease to about $50,000.”

 “Offsetting two-thirds of West Elementary’s previous electric bill with the solar arrays is fabulous,” Chesick added. “This benefit extends not just for this year but for the next 30 to 40 years, providing substantial long-term savings”