Summary
Developed in response to the 2020 Almeda Fire which brought devastating losses and prolonged power outages to the Talent and Phoenix communities, this project equips the District with solar PV and battery backup systems to enhance energy resilience and sustainability. Supported by $2 million in state grants, ~$60,000 in utility incentives, and 30% in federal credits, these systems empower the District to transform a school into a reliable emergency shelter, generate clean energy year-round, lower utility costs, cut carbon emissions, and provide students with hands-on learning in renewable energy.
“We are thrilled with the solar and battery system installations at Talent Elementary and Middle Schools. This project not only enhances our energy resilience but also serves as a crucial component of our community’s emergency preparedness. The integration of renewable energy solutions aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals, and the benefits extend beyond cost savings to provide real-world learning opportunities for our students. Ameresco and TrueSouth Solar have truly helped us lead the way in clean energy and community resilience.”
– Jon McCalip
Director of Facilities and Special Projects, Phoenix-Talent Schools
250 kW / 880 KWh
BESS Capacity
258 kW
Solar Capacity
~277 metric tons
Annual Carbon Emissions Reduction
~393,000 kWh
Projected Annual Energy Production
Customer Benefits
By integrating solar PV and BESS at Talent Elementary and Middle Schools, and with support from the Oregon Department of Energy and Energy Trust of Oregon, the District can now maintain critical power during future emergencies. Beyond resilience, these systems generate clean energy year-round, lower utility costs, reduce carbon emissions, and provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in renewable energy.
- Enhanced energy resilience for emergency response
- Community benefit through shelter readiness
- Multi-day back-up power capability for school lighting and receptacles
- Reduced utility costs through on-site solar generation
- Significant carbon footprint reduction
- Real-world STEM learning opportunities for students
- Leadership in sustainable resiliency and emergency preparedness
Solution
Ameresco and its installation partner, TrueSouth Solar, provided comprehensive energy solutions tailored to the District’s operational and emergency preparedness goals. The following services are included in the project:
- Site assessment and feasibility analysis
- Solar PV and battery system design and engineering
- Procurement and installation of solar modules and battery storage
- Integration with critical load panels for emergency power
- Grant and incentive acquisition support
- System commissioning and 1 year measurement and verification
- Energy performance contracting to guarantee results
