Roanoke schools hear pitch for 10 MW solar power-purchase agreement promising no upfront cost and long-term savings

Summary

Secure Solar Futures presented a power‑purchase agreement for Roanoke City Public Schools that would finance up to 10 MW of solar and roof restoration at no capital cost to the district, with presenters saying the three phases could yield more than $56–60 million in net energy savings over decades.

Matthew McFadden, business development director for Secure Solar Futures, told Roanoke City Council on Nov. 17 that his company can finance a 10‑megawatt solar program for Roanoke City Public Schools with no upfront capital from the district. "We build the system, we finance it, we own it, we operate it, and we maintain it," McFadden said, describing the company's standard 25‑year power‑purchase agreement (PPA). He said the company would monetize federal tax credits and depreciation to pass savings back to the district and to pay for roof restoration where needed.

Jeff Scharver, senior director of physical plants for Roanoke City Public Schools, outlined the district’s existing work with Secure Solar Futures: Phase 1 (complete) covers six sites and about 1.6 MW; Phase 2 (under construction) is roughly 5.6 MW across 11 sites; Phase 3 would add about 2.8 MW. Scharver described measurable results at school facilities, saying one…

Roanoke schools hear pitch for 10 MW solar power-purchase agreement promising no upfront cost and long-term savings

Summary

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