Solar Panels Installed on Five Mehlville Schools

Five schools in the Mehlville School District can now start harnessing solar energy.

StraightUp Solar completed the installation of 125 kilowatts of solar electric panels atop Beasley Elementary, Hagemann Elementary, Bernard Middle School, Oakville High School, and the Witzel Alternative Academy.

The St. Louis-based solar company designed and installed the five solar electric systems in less than six weeks. 

“This solar project is such a positive return on investment for the District.  Without any out-of-pocket expenses, we begin saving money on our electric bill immediately,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Knost. “By realizing an estimated $130,000 in energy savings over the next 20 years, we’re not only being good stewards of our taxpayers’ dollars, but good stewards of our environment too.” 

On May 17, the school board unanimously approved a 20-year lease agreement for five solar panel systems at no out-of-pocket expenses and an estimated savings of $130,660 over the length of the lease.

In addition to the cost savings and cleaner air, the solar panels will directly support Mehlville’s curriculum at every grade-level. Using Tigo Energy Monitors, incorporated into the panels, StraightUp Solar has set up a kiosk in each of the five buildings where students and teachers can watch the solar panels in action.

“The web-based monitoring is an effective way for students to track the electricity production and the environmental offsets of the solar panels. Plus, monitoring gives our clients peace of mind that the system is producing each day as expected,” says StraightUp Solar President Dane Glueck.

The price of solar panels has dropped dramatically just as electric rates in Ameren Missouri territory have risen 25% in the last five years, according to a press release. 

“More and more people are realizing that solar is a great investment which has substantial financial benefits.  We have seen a rapid uptick in the number of people pursuing solar for their homes, businesses, schools, and churches,” Mike Hornitschek of StraightUp Solar said.

In honor of the new solar installation, StraightUp Solar and Mehlville District students are raising money for SolarAid, a non-profit working to bring solar energy to school children and individuals in rural Kenya and Tanzania that do not have access to electricity. 

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Solar Energy Coming to Five District Schools