Norman board approves four solar projects to cut energy costs at schools

The Norman Public Schools Board of Education on Thursday approved agreements to install solar arrays at Alcott Middle School, Eisenhower Elementary School, the district's Center for Arts and Learning (CAL) and the Bridal Building, officials said.

District staff and a solar presenter described site-specific financials and construction plans. Tony, the project presenter, said Alcott's system would lower the site's energy costs by "about 20.5%, which would net a $948,000 savings over a 30 year term." He said Eisenhower's system is projected to deliver an immediate "26% discount day 1" and to offset roughly $1,000,000 back to the district over the contract term; the CAL system was described as providing about a 24% reduction with an estimated ~$895,000 returned to the district. For the Bridal Building, presenters said a $208,000 upfront capital payment eliminates the service-agreement charge at that site and produces energy cost relief from day one.

"0 out of pocket, 20% drop in cost, day 1," Tony said when summarizing the financing structure and expected savings for several roof-mounted systems.

Board members asked about how savings are used. Facilities staff and the presenter said energy cost reductions flow to the district's central energy budget, not to an individual school site, meaning the financial benefit is shared districtwide. The presenter also explained a contractual buyout option: after the seventh year a district can purchase systems to capture larger long-term savings.

The board moved to approve the four solar agreements as presented and voted by roll call to pass the motion. No board member recorded an opposition during the vote.

Next steps described by staff include coordinating installation timing with the district's facilities team and completing the planned installs during 2026, subject to permitting and scheduling.