A contractor says that Panther Valley could receive about $2 million in building upgrades for less than half the cost, based on energy savings for the project.

The district is in discussions to undertake a guaranteed energy savings project with McClure Company of Harrisburg. But it will take board approval before the project can move forward.

On Wednesday, a representative from McClure presented the results of a study into possible energy savings projects for the district, and the money that the projects would save the district over the next 20 years.

Alyssa Wingenfield, a McClure representative, discussed a number of projects affecting all three buildings, including upgrading lights, insulation, boilers, HVAC systems and electrical systems.

McClure previously completed a similar project for the district in 2000. That $800,000 project saved the district $1.7 million over 10 years, Wingenfield said.

“We’ve done a project already with you guys and we look forward to working with you in the future,” she said.

Unlike that project, the money saved from the proposed project would cover 50-80 percent of the estimated project cost.

District manager Jesse Walck said all the items included in the proposed project are needed. Some are projected to save the district money through energy savings, and others aren’t.

Wingenfield said the project as presented would cost between $1.6 million and $1.9 million. Potential 20-year energy savings is $1.1 million to 1.4 million.

Under the current proposal the intermediate and high school would receive upgrades to their lighting, insulation, boilers, HVAC and electrical transformers.

The elementary school would receive upgrades to its plumbing.

The board also asked McClure to look at upgrading the elementary school roof. Wingenfield said they will have more information next month.

“What we’d like to do over the next month is study them in more detail - look if they can be repaired, restored or are in need of full replacement,” she said.

If approved in the near future, the project could be completed in early 2022.

McClure is also working on a proposal for the district to add a solar farm at the Intermediate and high schools. The district would lease the panels from McClure, to reap the benefits of a government tax credit. Wingenfield said the potential cost and savings from that project are forthcoming.

The board is currently facing a budget deficit going into 2021-22. But on Wednesday it took some action that officials say will free up more funds for the project.

The board voted to sell its delinquent taxes to Municipal Revenue Service of McKean, Erie County. The move will net the district about $800,000. In addition, the board has hired an adviser to possibly refinance bonds. If approved, that could save the district $1.6 million over the next two years.