SCS Solar Project Work Set to Begin

By David Avitabile

SCHOHARIE - Building permits are almost approved and construction is expected to begin within a month on Schoharie Central School's 740-kilowatt solar energy project.

The project, which was approved by voters two years ago, has since been approved by NYSERDA and National Grid. Superintendent David Blanchard told school board members earlier this month that the district expected the building permits to be approved very soon and that construction would begin within a month. Construction would take place through the summer and into the fall. 

The field be built on one acre will be built behind the track in the "lower 40."

The project will eventually be a revenue generator for SCS. After paying the district cost for the project annually they expect to generate $130,000 to $140,000 per year, Mr. Blanchard said. The total cost of the EPC was $2,750,000. The district is in line for several rebates on the project due to federal and state solar initiatives.  

The project is part of the district's $25.9 million building project that was approved by voters in May 2022. The district looked at either putting more solar panels on building roofs or on the back property before making a decision.

National Grid has provided 90 percent of the cost for the building of the electric vehicle stations. Any revenue would go to the district. Each station would have two chargers each. The stations were installed last summer and operational by the time school started. Two of the stations were built by the construction area and the rest were near the bus garage.

The project does not require any new local taxpayer funds as state aid and the current building reserve will cover the costs.

In another action, board members heard a parent and student speak about retaining the New Visions program at SCS. 

Parent Sam Ballard and student Sophia Watson spoke in favor of keeping the program. Mr. Blanchard said the district will be sending students to New Visions next year. Transportation to the program has proven to be difficult and expensive for taxpayers. The district is looking to partner with a neighboring district for transportation to New Visions next year.