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Roanoke County board approves $1.6 million for 800 kW solar system at RCCTC
Summary
The Roanoke County School Board approved purchase and funding reallocation for an 800 kW rooftop solar system at the new RCCTC building, a $1.52 million contract staff say will pay back in seven to eight years and save the district over $5 million across its lifespan.
The Roanoke County School Board voted unanimously to authorize a contract and funding reallocation for an 800 kilowatt rooftop solar array at the new Roanoke County Career & Technology Center (RCCTC).
In a presentation to the board, facilities staff said the $1,522,792 system is designed to "offset the electricity needs of the new facility by 100%." Staff described warranties for components ranging from 10 to 25 years and panel production warranties of 30 years, and projected a seven- to eight-year payback period and more than $5 million in savings over the array’s usable life. The district reported the RFP attracted nine responses and that the selection committee unanimously recommended the proposal from 8M Solar.
Board members were asked to authorize roughly $1.6 million to cover the contract and a contingency: the staff recommendation specified redirecting approximately $1.2 million from construction savings and using $400,000 from RCCTC special projects funds. The motion to approve the contract and funding reallocation passed with the board members present voting yes.
Superintendent or his designee was authorized to execute the contract and related documents, per the board’s action. Board members emphasized both the fiscal case — lowering ongoing energy costs — and the educational benefits of locating the system at RCCTC, saying the installation will create hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Next steps listed by staff include finalizing contract language with the selected vendor and executing procurement documents so installation can proceed. The board provided no timetable for construction milestones during the meeting.
