The Knoxville Community School District is believed to have the largest solar integration for a school district in the state of Iowa. It simultaneously reduces its carbon footprint and its utility bills.
It has integrated solar photovoltaic systems on 11 of its 12 facilities, offsetting 92% of its electricity usage with clean solar energy, decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels and reducing its CO2 emissions. Annually, over 1.5million kWh/year will be produced from this portfolio of solar systems reducing CO2 emissions by 1,235 tons of CO2 each year for the next 30+ years.
The School District was following the City of Knoxville’s solar project that is currently under construction. Collaboration with the local city government and community businesses. Education opportunities include the usage of the variety of solar arrays, live data sharing, and a solar experiment tool kit that will allow the science programs to teach the impact of different tilts and angles through side-by-side simultaneous experimentation.
Since the solar arrays are visibly included on all buildings as well as the sports facilities, the school can provide educational opportunities for visitors and attendees of all school activities. The solar integration was financed through a power purchase agreement and is projected to save Knoxville School District $8500 annually and over $370,000 over the next 30 years.