Behind the Meter: D205 realizes nearly $1M in savings from solar energy
Solar panels at Lombard Middle School in Galesburg. (WGIL)
At a time when we’re all seeing our energy bills soaring, the hit has been a little less painful for Galesburg School District 205, thanks to some forward thinking. Since implementing solar at many of its properties in 2019, District 205 has saved nearly a million dollars in energy costs over the past 5 years.
John Asplund, superintendent of schools for District 205, joined WGIL's Tyler Gumm and Jay Redfern on Galesburg's Morning News to not only talk about those savings, but how solar expansion could save the district even more money.
During a presentation at the Jan. 13 Board of Education meeting, Asplund explained how solar energy enabled the district to realize a total savings $959,000 as of July 2024. That translates into an average yearly savings of about $230,000.
Approximately one-third of the district's energy comes from solar sources, according to Asplund.
District 205 has pending solar projects at Silas Willard Elementary School, the rooftop at Galesburg Jr./Sr. High and King Elementary School.
Asplund explained all of D205's current solar projects were implemented through a power purchase agreement, allowing the district to buy power at significantly lower rates (2.75 to 3.25 cents per kilowatt hour) compared to the retail market (7 cents, now rising to 13-14 cents). He said the district will explore owning the future additions, but noted it would come at a significant upfront cost.
A breakdown of savings at various District 205 facilities shows:
Cumulative Savings: $67,981.71
Four-Year Average Savings: $16,995.43
Cumulative Savings: $305,361.25
Four-Year Average Savings: $76,340.31
Cumulative Savings: $147,939.57
Four-Year Average Savings: $36,984.89
Cumulative Savings: $283,913.87
Four-Year Average Savings: $70,978.47
Cumulative Savings: $122,461.71
Four-Year Average Savings: $30,615.43
Cumulative Savings: $31,653.97
Four-Year Average Savings: $15,826.99
Solar panels at Lombard Middle School in Galesburg. (WGIL)