COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch Intermediate School District Board of Education approved a 20 year agreement with Chart House Energy Investment of Muskegon Wednesday so that the district can lease solar power equipment.
Director of Vocational Education Randy Sowles said contract negotiations lasted for over a year.
The initial plans called for the solar panels to go on the roof of the swine barn before it was determined they would go on a pad to the east of the barn.
There is an opt out provision after a five years. The BISD has the option to buy out the system and lease any time after the first five years at a fair market value price.
Sowles said the solar panels will not be a big cost savings for the district but they can be used as an educational tool.
The equipment will include 32 solar panels which will be on ground mounted racks. Lease payments for the land and equipment will be made on an annual basis. The first year rent will be just under $1,400.
