Solar panels unlikely at new high school

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By Meagan Engle, Staff Writer 1:55 PM Tuesday, March 16, 2010

OXFORD — The new Talawanda High School probably won’t have solar panels.

The Talawanda Board of Education learned Monday, March 15, that about $70,000 of expected funding in energy credits from Butler Rural were not available because the energy company does not give credits.

Without that money, the expected return on investment for solar panels at the high school would be about 30 years – roughly the lifespan of the panels.

“On a typical return on investment, you wouldn’t even consider 15 years,” said district Treasurer Mike Davis.

There is no additional grants or funding known of now to cover the $70,000.

Board members also had concerns about placing solar panels on the metal roof of the new building.

The panels could have powered lights and computers in eight classrooms.

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or mengle@coxohio.com.

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