The contracts, known as Power Purchase Agreements, call for the installation of roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar array systems, each about 290 kilowatts, at North Adams and Peebles Elementary Schools.

Sol Ventus Partners, an independent power producer, will construct, operate and maintain the systems over the course of the 20-year agreements. The School District agrees to purchase the power generated by the system, locking in savings of 15-18% on power from the solar array.

School District Treasurer, Tina Hageman, explains, "As many of Ohio's School Districts struggle with increased costs and often uncertain budget constraints, Adams County/Ohio Valley School District is looking forward to implementing solar energy alternatives at our buildings. This is a unique opportunity for school districts to take advantage of renewable energy resources to reduce operating costs while simultaneously offering teachers and students a new tool for teaching and learning about 'green' projects."

A real-time energy interface linked to each array will be the online hub for a proprietary energy curriculum, enabling teachers, students and the community to monitor system activity and grasp the environmental benefits of alternative energy. The curriculum is being designed to enhance the study of math, economics and science as they relate to green energy projects.

Construction of the solar systems at North Adams and Peebles is scheduled for completion by yearend, with Sol Ventus associate Kastle Solar and Wind handling the project. The signing culminates a process that began in early March with site analysis and a feasibility study conducted by architectural firm McGill Smith Punshon, Inc., system planning experts for the Sol Ventus team of professionals.

"Sol Ventus Partners has offered us a way to lower our utility spending with clean, sustainable energy with no out-of-pocket cost to the district," said District Facilities Manager, Steve Wolfe. "We are all very excited about moving forward with our solar projects."

According to Chrestensen, "Our focus, expertise and no-cost, turnkey program helps tax-exempt entities reduce energy costs and meet their environmental goals, while enhancing their core mission to others."

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