Wingate Elementary School, Mascoutah, IL – The School That Lights Up a Community
Schools Use Solar to Lead in Sustainability and Savings
Since installation in 2019, the solar energy systems at Barron Gymnastics and Barron Swim School in St. Louis, MO have saved the schools almost $115,000 in operating costs.
In 2020-2021, the Mascoutah School District had EFS install over 3,000 solar modules at Wingate Elementary and Scott Elementary. Together, these two schools produce a whopping 1,600,000 kWh annually. This offsets 90-100% of the schools’ electrical needs.
Exploring the Benefits of Solar Energy for Your School
Switching to solar power offers numerous benefits for your educational institution, providing not only financial savings but also educational and environmental advantages. Here’s why making the switch to solar is a smart decision for your school.
Cost Savings
Spend more on your students and less on utilities. Schools consume a significant amount of energy, which translates into high utility bills. With solar power you can generate your own electricity, significantly reducing energy expenses. This frees up more funds for academic programs and facility improvements.
Educational Opportunities
Boost learning with solar. Solar installations create hands-on learning opportunities that bring textbook concepts to life. Students enrolled at Barron Swim School and Barron Gymnastics in St. Louis, MO can take time before or after class to study the online energy dashboard. This lets them monitor the solar panels’ performance, analyze energy production data, and learn about the science and technology behind renewable energy. This can spark interest and inspire students at Barron and other local schools to pursue careers in fields related to renewable energy and sustainability. It’s real-world learning on your rooftop.
Environmental Impact
Lead by example with a solar system. Adopting solar energy reduces carbon footprints, combats climate change, and promotes a healthier planet. The students and staff at Wingate Elementary in Mascoutah, IL get to see this firsthand. Their 800-kW system produces enough energy to power approximately 100 houses. During the summer, while school’s out, that extra power from the school is sent back to the city’s energy grid to power the houses in their neighborhood. This lessens the amount of energy the electric company must produce, helping the environment and the city.
National Incentives
Federal
Low-Income and Energy Communities
Projects in eligible areas
May receive an additional 10%-20% tax credit.
Domestic Content
Projects using specified percentages of American-made materials
May receive an additional 10% tax credit.
Direct Pay
Tax-exempt entities
Governments
Rural electric co-ops
Can receive the ITC as a direct payment instead of as a tax credit.
Transfers
The Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
May be sold to other taxpayers.
State Incentives for Illinois Commercial Businesses
Illinois Shines Program
- Provides incentives based on system production.
- In our experience, these incentives return roughly 30% of system cost back to the customer.
Smart Inverter Rebate Program
Ameren Illinois customers
Receive up to $300 per kilowatt for installed solar or energy storage systems.
Learn About Saving with Solar Tax Incentives
Many regions offer financial incentives and tax credits for solar installations, further reducing the overall cost of your system and increasing your return on investment.
Hassle-Free Solar Solutions from Start to Finish
Going solar provides your school with the unique opportunity to save on energy expenses and enrich the educational experience of your students. Light the way as a school that prioritizes green technologies and positions itself as a leader in environmental education. Students and staff will see how your school is choosing to make a long-term difference in the world of energy.
At EFS Energy, we believe in the power of solar energy and education. We strive to educate young and old on the sustainable solutions that solar energy brings. When you partner with us, you partner with a team that has extensive knowledge of the local community and the solar industry. We provide peace of mind with headache-free implementation of your solar system so you can keep your focus on your students. Contact us today to explore how solar can reduce your school’s costs, enrich student learning, and demonstrate environmental leadership.
Project Gallery
3407 S. Jefferson Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63118