CAMPBELL — City school buildings will be powered by clean energy, while also providing an environmental lesson.

Construction on the new energy system is anticipated to begin around Sept. 1.

The new system generates energy on sunny days while distributing a consistent flow of electricity on cloudy days.

“Not only are we excited about our savings, but more importantly the curriculum and hands-on educational benefits we access for our students as they can see, touch and feel the effects of clean energy on our campus,” Matthew Bowen, superintendent, said.

“We understand the importance of protecting the environment for future generations and now students can actively connect to their role as future leaders,” Bowen said.

Saving more than $30,000 per year, the district successfully leveraged more than $2 million of infrastructure upgrades at no cost to taxpayers, according to a news release.

“This is a momentous occasion, as Campbell City Schools will be using clean energy that is cheaper than the dirty energy from the grid,” said Andrew Bittner, CEO of Guaranteed Clean Energy. CGE specializes in advising customers in the education, municipality and healthcare markets, according to its website.

In 20 years, the district has an option to be completely free from the grid and ability to capture a full $300,000 annual benefit. Until then, with zero out of pocket expense, the district receives the annual savings, educational student resources, and a cleaner environment, the officials said.

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