Solera to develop solar project for Sarcoxie school district

Provided by Solera Energy

The 2,025-panel installation is scheduled for completion in mid-2022.

Springfield-based Solera Energy LLC is conducting a large-scale solar project for the Sarcoxie R-II School District.

Officials said in a news release that the 2,025-panel installation would be the largest to date for a Missouri school. The district is partnering with Solera and Gardner Capital Specialty Group on a solar services agreement through which the district will buy energy from the array but not incur capital expenditure or maintenance costs. Solera was founded by Will Cox and Mark Gardner.

“This is a historic partnership for renewable energy in Missouri,” said Cox, Solera's CEO, in the release.

Cox said via email the project cost is estimated at $2 million to $4 million.

The installation is expected to provide lifetime savings of roughly $4 million for the Sarcoxie district of 750 students, according to the release. The array is slated for completion in mid-2022.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to improve the district, and Solera was a good answer to our needs," Sarcoxie Superintendent Phil Lewis said in the release.

The solar installation also will serve as a laboratory for Sarcoxie students interested in renewable energy.