by Megan Schiffres
CLARAVILLE—Representatives of two solar power companies, Sun Tribe Solar (STS) and Affordable Energy Concepts (AEC), on August 5 presented proposals to members of the school board for powering Northumberland County public schools (NCPS) with solar energy.
“NCPS is seriously considering the installation of solar arrays. We constantly monitor and evaluate how the school division may save money, offset costs in order to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. Solar power, with a power purchase agreement (PPA), may provide a reduced kilowatt hour rate for electricity which will offset the school division’s current electricity costs,” said superintendent Holly Wargo.
In April, the school board sent out a request for proposals soliciting solar companies interested in partnering with the district to create a solar farm that could supply power to Northumberland schools using a PPA. Through PPAs, hosts like Northumberland County schools agree to provide the land where a solar system can be developed, operated and maintained by a third-party solar service provider, in exchange for…
