DeKalb County Schools has completed what the district says is Alabama’s first public school solar project designed to significantly offset energy costs, with the new system at Plainview High School projected to cut the school’s electricity costs by nearly half.
The rooftop solar installation is projected to offset approximately 46% of Plainview’s electricity costs and generate nearly $1 million in savings over the life of the project, according to the district.
Because DeKalb County Schools pays utility costs across the school system, officials said the savings will ultimately benefit the entire district.
“This project reflects years of thoughtful planning and a commitment to making investments that deliver lasting value for our students, staff, and community,” DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Wayne Lyles said. “Our goal has never been to pursue technology for technology’s sake. We evaluate every project through the lens of educational impact, operational efficiency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
The district also expects to receive more than $1.8 million in federal incentives and rebates for the project, reducing its overall cost.
The Plainview installation is the latest phase of a facilities modernization effort DeKalb County Schools began in 2018. The district has since made improvements to lighting, building automation, water systems, security, HVAC and indoor air quality, building envelopes and exterior lighting.
Together, those improvements are projected to save the district $32.8 million and reduce operating costs by 20% over the life of its partnership with Schneider Electric, according to the announcement.
“By reducing Plainview High School’s projected electricity costs by more than 50 percent, we’re creating long-term savings that can help support our schools and students for years to come,” Lyles said.
The district’s announcement lists the project’s projected offset at approximately 46%, despite Lyles referring to a reduction of more than 50% in his statement.
For Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, the project also has a hometown connection. Ledbetter is a DeKalb County native and Plainview High School graduate.
“As a graduate of Plainview High School, it’s exciting to see my alma mater become home to a project that is drawing statewide attention,” Ledbetter said. “DeKalb County Schools’ practical approach on improving facilities, managing costs, and creating opportunities for future generations of students is producing results. This is a big day for our community and serves as a strong reminder of how blessed we are to call DeKalb County home.”
Schneider Electric worked with the school system on the project as part of the district’s broader modernization strategy.
“DeKalb County Schools has demonstrated what can happen when local leaders take a disciplined, long-range approach to facilities planning,” said Peyton Pratt, head of Public Sector Efficiency at Schneider Electric. “Over multiple phases, the district has systematically modernized its schools, improved infrastructure, enhanced safety, and found ways to reduce operating costs.”
Unlike smaller school solar installations intended primarily for educational demonstrations or individual building features, district officials said the Plainview system was designed as an infrastructure investment aimed at reducing ongoing utility expenses.
The project is now complete and commissioned, adding solar generation to a modernization effort DeKalb County Schools says has been underway for nearly a decade.
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