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OCPS pilot solar project at OTC West and energy programs show early reductions in use, but ROI remains long
Summary
Facilities staff said a rooftop solar system at the Orange Technical College West campus is producing electricity and that districtwide modernization and control upgrades have reduced electricity use per square foot, but recent construction cost increases push solar payback periods beyond panel lifespans for school-scale rooftop projects.
At the May 13 Orange County School Board work session, facilities staff reported early data from a solar rooftop pilot at Orange Technical College West and said district-wide energy-efficiency measures are beginning to reduce electricity consumption per square foot.
The findings are significant because energy improvements and renewable projects are part of the district's sustainability goals and influence long-term operating costs for schools.
Rory and Mike Winter presented the high-performance design analysis used on new prototypes and said OTC West's rooftop solar system began producing power in December 2024. Winter said the analysis shows a long payback for stand-alone rooftop solar on new schools under current construction costs, with a payback estimate in one analysis of roughly 25 years, longer than the expected life of the panels; however, district leaders said they will re-evaluate returns as federal credits, market prices and design changes evolve.
Winter also said district modernization projects and capital-renewal upgrades appear to be reducing electricity consumption: the presentation showed approximately an 8% drop in electricity use per square foot from 2019 to 2024, a decline staff estimated to represent about $5 million in savings based on recent bills. Staff cautioned variability tied to seasonal cooling-degree days and said they will collect a full year of production data from OTC West to inform future decisions.
The district is also participating in a larger Duke Energy-supported solar-farm program that could provide renewable energy at scale; staff said that approach yields a more favorable cost profile than standalone rooftop installations for many campuses. No action was required at the work session; staff said they will continue modeling and return with additional analysis.
