DeKalb School District explores solar energy project with Nania Group partnership

The DeKalb CUSD 428 Board Meeting held on April 15, 2025, focused on two significant topics: the approval of a registration fee for a teacher vacancy grant and a proposal for a solar energy project aimed at reducing energy costs and promoting sustainability within the district.

The board discussed the need for permission to pay the registration fee in advance from the teacher vacancy grant, which was met with consensus to bring the matter back for further consideration.

The more extensive discussion centered around the solar energy project, presented by Tammy Carson and Benbeo, along with representatives from the Nania Group. The district has been exploring solar energy options for several years and is now considering a more structured approach to implement solar panels across various school facilities. The Nania Group, which has assisted the district in energy management since 2021, reported significant cost savings of over $900,000 through previous energy contracts.

During the presentation, the Nania representatives outlined the potential benefits of solar energy, including substantial cost savings and environmental advantages. They emphasized that the district could offset a significant portion of its electricity needs through solar installations at various schools. For instance, the high school could potentially cover about 75% of its annual electricity needs with a proposed rooftop solar array.

The discussion also addressed concerns regarding existing electricity supply contracts. Nania representatives assured the board that transitioning to solar would not incur penalties, as long as the district communicated its plans with current suppliers in advance.

The board was encouraged to consider a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a third-party solar provider, which would allow the district to install solar arrays at no upfront cost. Under this agreement, the district would purchase power generated by the solar arrays at a rate lower than current grid prices, while the provider would handle installation, maintenance, and securing federal incentives.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the solar project, with the board recognizing the potential long-term financial and environmental benefits for the district. The next steps will involve a detailed feasibility study and the initiation of a request for proposals (RFP) to identify suitable solar partners.