Solar energy will be bringing a significant change to energy costs for the Sigourney Community School District.

The district has entered an agreement with Atwood Electric, Inc. and Red Lion Renewables to install solar arrays at the elementary, bus barn, and career academy buildings. These arrays will bring an initial savings of $11,000 to $14,000 on annual energy costs. Superintendent Dave Harper says the district will be paying 80% of their electric bill to Red Lion at eight cents per kilowatt, while paying the remainder to Alliant Energy at 13 cents a kilowatt. Atwood Electric is installing the arrays at no cost to Sigourney Schools, and the district will be eligible to purchase the arrays from Red Lion Renewables in six years.

Harper says he’s excited for the arrays, “What’s great is that our science classes can monitor the system, the productivity of the systems live through the web. And potentially we could have some science lessons involved with our solar panels, but just anyway that we can help protect our general fund and increase our opportunities for kids is exciting.”

The arrays are anticipated for installation this April. The high school was not eligible to switch over to solar, but the district is finding ways to lower their energy consumption to be able to convert to solar in the next few years.