The Brimfield Community Unit School District (CUSD) No. 309 in Brimfield, Illinois, has opted for the Nexamp community solar program to decrease its yearly electricity costs and contribute additional renewable energy to the Ameren utility grid. Through a 20-year agreement, the district, serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students across two distinct school campuses, anticipates annual savings exceeding $22,000 throughout the duration of the contract.

The solar farm, named Jubilee Solar and situated on the school premises just beyond the high school baseball field, will serve as a visible testament to the district’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of the broader community. With approximately 5,500 solar panels mounted on a tracker system that adjusts to the sun’s movement, the project is set to generate 3 MW of solar energy. Brimfield CUSD 309 will benefit from a 23% allocation of the total project capacity, while the remaining capacity will be reserved for local residents who can directly enroll in the Nexamp community solar program.

Chad Jones, the Superintendent of Schools in Brimfield, expressed, “In our quest to enhance sustainability initiatives and make a meaningful difference in the community, we were intrigued by the prospect of actively contributing to the integration of renewable energy into the local grid. Leveraging the available space on our district campus, collaborating with Nexamp to establish a solar farm on-site offers us immediate advantages, including cost efficiencies, educational prospects, and setting a precedent for others to follow.”

Under the Illinois Shines Public Schools category, the project meets the criteria that allow public schools throughout the state to host community solar initiatives. This not only enables the schools to achieve substantial cost savings but also extends those benefits to the wider community.

Joe Fiori, VP of business development at Nexamp, commented, “The Public Schools category offers a fantastic framework for schools in Illinois that wish to host a community solar project. It allows schools to optimize the educational and financial advantages while ensuring that Nexamp remains responsible for owning and operating the facility throughout the agreement’s duration.”