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Solar panels approved for Grayslake North and Central

Construction is expected to begin next month on solar panels that will help provide power at Grayslake's two high schools.

Special-use permits for the projects have been approved for Grayslake Central and North high schools. The Grayslake village board granted the permit requests by separate 4-0 votes last week.

Grayslake High School District 127 will borrow $5.9 million for the solar panel installation through a bond sale to investors. The solar panels are projected to cut energy costs and potentially become a revenue source.

Under the plan, the panels to collect sun energy will be installed on the rooftops of Grayslake Central and North. There also will be ground-mounted solar panels at Grayslake North.

Performance Services, which has a Schaumburg office, will install 1,920 solar panels on most of Grayslake Central's roof. Plans call for 2,245 solar panels to be installed first on nearly all of Grayslake North's roof, followed by 4,590 panels mounted on the ground on a vacant 25 acres at the school.

District 127 Superintendent Catherine Finger said Monday construction is expected to start in August. The first full day of school is Monday, Aug. 15.

"It is too soon to say whether or not the installation will be completed prior to the start of school," Finger said. "I will share that the installation process itself is pretty smooth and would be able to occur during the regular school day without impacting instruction."

Grayslake Central might save $2.1 million in energy costs and Grayslake North $7.5 million over 25 years, according to District 127 projections. School officials said the goal will be to pay off the $5.9 million debt before deciding where to direct the expected annual cost savings.

District 127 officials said solar renewable energy credits are expected to become an income source as part of the deal with Performance Services. Projections show the district could gain a maximum of about $8.5 million over 25 years by selling excess credits.

Mayor Rhett Taylor expressed optimism for the environmental endeavor.

"I hope the installation goes well," Taylor said, "and that it ends up being as financially beneficial for the high schools as (the) plans project, if not more beneficial."

Grayslake's high schools could tap into solar power

Solar panels at high schools get Grayslake's tentative OK

  Solar panels will be installed on the rooftop and on the ground at Grayslake Central High School in a move officials say will help to provide power and reduce energy costs. Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara@dailyherald.com
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