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School committee approves 20-year solar power purchase agreement for McGlynn, proposes wider rollout
Summary
The Medford School Committee approved a 20-year power purchase agreement for a 360 kW solar system at McGlynn that is projected to supply about 48% of the school’s electricity at roughly 4.5¢/kWh and save about $64,000 in year one; the committee asked staff to explore expanding the approach to other upcoming roof projects.
The Medford School Committee voted to enter a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 360-kilowatt solar system at McGlynn Middle School, a move the district says would generate roughly 48% of the school’s electricity at a fixed rate of about 4.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Brenda Pike, staff planner for city climate policy, told the committee the installation is expected to start in the fall after the district completes HVAC and roof-refurbishment work. Pike said the installer will claim federal tax credits tied to the project, and the district must sign the contract by year-end to meet those tax-credit timing requirements. “That would generate about 48% of the McGlen’s current electricity usage,” Pike said.
The district estimates the project would save about $64,000 in the first year at the proposed rate, and Pike said the quoted rate reflects the installer’s expected application of federal tax credits; without those credits the rate could be roughly twice as high. Ken Lord, chief operations officer, joined Pike in the presentation and answered members’ logistical questions about timing and student impacts during rooftop work.
Member Grahama (motion) moved to approve entering the agreement and asked staff to explore expanding the PPA approach to the three schools recently advanced in MSBA roofing discussions; Member Reinfeld seconded the motion. The motion passed on the floor. Committee members emphasized scheduling any disruptive rooftop work outside school hours where possible.
The district also encouraged homeowners to consult the Electrify Medford program for residential solar guidance. Implementation steps noted by staff include finalizing and signing the PPA, coordinating installation after roof/HVAC projects and securing city-council approval for contracts longer than three years where required.
The committee did not vote on specific contract language at the meeting; staff said they would return with final documents for signatures in time to meet the tax-credit deadline.
