Brimfield Community Unit School District (CUSD) in Brimfield, Illinois, has chosen the Nexamp community solar program to reduce annual electricity costs and add more renewable energy to Ameren’s electric grid. The 20-year contract will save the K-12 district more than $22,000 annually.
Credit: Nexamp
The 3 MW community solar tracking project, called Jubilee Solar and located on the school grounds just outside the high school baseball field, will be a visual reminder of the role the district plays in environmental sustainability and the health of the larger community. Brimfield CUSD will receive an allocation of 23% of the total project, while much of the remainder of the project will be reserved for individual residents in the area who can directly enroll in the Nexamp community solar program.
“As we looked at ways to increase our sustainability efforts and make a positive impact in the community, we were drawn to the idea of playing such an active role in bringing more renewable energy to the local grid. We have space on our district campus and by partnering with Nexamp to have a solar farm built on site, we can immediately realize several benefits including cost savings, educational opportunities and leading by example,” said Chad Jones, Brimfield Superintendent of Schools. .
The project falls under the Illinois Shines Public Schools category, which enables public schools across the state to host community solar projects, realize significant savings and extend those savings to the broader community.
“The Public Schools category provides an excellent framework for schools throughout Illinois interested in hosting a community solar project,” said Joe Fiori, Vice President of Business Development at Nexamp. “It allows schools to maximize educational and financial benefits. Nexamp will continue to own and operate the facility for the term of the agreement.”
News item from Nexamp