A solar energy project at Lehighton Area School District’s high, middle and elementary schools could save the district $2.16 million over 25 years, according to a presentation from Brooklyn-based Ecogy Energy at Monday night’s board meeting.

Francesco Ranieri, Ecogy development manager, said the company would finance, develop, install and operate solar photovoltaic systems, which generate electricity from sunlight, at the three schools, which account for 93% of the energy used each year by the district. Lehighton’s stadium field house and administration building make up the other 7%, but they would not be part of a solar project.

According to the company’s proposal, the electricity generated by the solar systems is consumed on-site at a discounted rate compared to borough of Lehighton rates, therefore “generating electricity savings day by day as well as creating a hedge against future utility rate increases and inflation.”

“There is no upfront cost to the district,” Ecogy development manager Joel Santisteban said. “The money the district pays is when it buys the electricity generated from the solar system from us. We don’t make money until the system is up and running and operational. Then you buy those kilowatt-hours from us, giving you 40% of your consumption from solar as opposed to purchasing at a higher rate from your utility company.”

Ecogy’s proposal, which is effective until March 31, lists its starting rate at $0.105/kWh, generating an estimated savings of $45,322 in the first year followed by an average annual savings of $86,653. The company used a 3% annual utility cost escalator to come up with the estimate.

“We are a little limited here in the size of the system we can propose because Lehighton Borough does not allow us to send energy back to their grid,” Santisteban said. “There are some other areas where the utility company will buy back surplus energy that is generated, but in this case we have to make sure the school uses it.”

During Monday’s presentation, Ranieri explained the company would use a nonpenetrating flat roof mounting system using rubber feet and ballast blocks to hold it down, increasing roof life by protecting against the elements, or a Flex system clamped to a standing seam roof.

Ecogy is also proposing an educational component to the project where it teaches students about solar energy and the jobs that are available in the field.

“I think that’s one of the most important aspects of this is the educational piece,” Lehighton Business Administrator Ed Rarick said. “The solar industry is growing rapidly in the United States and I think our students could benefit.”

According to Santisteban, the company would do a presentation for students on the basics of solar energy as well as design a data analytic program for students interested in learning about a real-time monitoring system utilizing actual building consumption and solar generation data.

Kiosks in the school lobbies, the company added, would show live data readings to highlight the system and trees would also be planted on campus, with the support of students, to symbolize the environmental benefits of clean energy.

“Solar jobs in general are increasing 5% per year on average and solar installer jobs are projected to increase 52% from 2020 to 2030,” Ranieri told the board. “The median entry level solar job pays $84,600 per year. So we want to be here for your faculty and your students and give them the resources they need to continue to learn about solar energy and the opportunities it provides.”

Should the district decide to move forward with the project, Ecogy officials said they envision a 16-month process with construction wrapping up in the summer of 2023.