Central Falls committee backs Oak Square solar plan for two schools, includes EV chargers and student display
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Summary
After reviewing an RFP evaluation, the committee recommended Oak Square Partnership to install solar at the new high school and Calcutt, including two EV chargers and an in-school display; the committee moved, seconded and approved the recommendation to pursue the contract and bring it to the full board and city council for final authorization.
The Central Falls School Building Committee voted to accept the recommendation to advance a solar installation proposal from Oak Square Partnership for two district buildings: the new high school and Calcutt.
Matt introduced the item and said the district issued an RFP that drew four responses; the consultant recommended Oak Square based on technical experience, M/WBE participation, and projected long-term economic value. Mary, who led local evaluation work, said her review supported the consultant recommendation and told the committee, "I recommend to this committee that we move forward." Mary added that the proposal targets buildings that can sustain the system and that the team had not been overly aggressive in its assumptions.
The proposed economic analysis showed projected annual savings of about $39,250 relative to the cost structure presented and included the option to add two EV chargers (one at the high school and one at Calcutt) at no additional cost if the district chooses. The proposal also includes a student-facing station inside the high school that would display real-time energy generation for classroom use.
Committee members asked operational questions: whether the panels are owned or leased, the lease duration and life expectancy of panels, and whether roof warranties remain protected. The consultant and staff said the district would own the panels under a 20-year lease arrangement and that the vendor would be responsible for disposal at lease end; staff stated they were confident the new roof warranties would be preserved.
The committee moved and seconded the Oak Square recommendation and voted to forward it to the full school board and city council for final authorization.
Next steps: staff will review contract language for roof and warranty protections, prepare materials for the school board of trustees and city council, and return with final contract terms and any adjustments to the economic model.