By Daniel Dullum | Tri Valley Central
In the midst of tough financial times, the Florence Unified School District caught a substantial break.
With the receipt of $10.8 million in grants from the Arizona Public Service Co. Schools and Government Program, the school district plans to install solar panels at Florence High, Florence K-8 and Anthem K-8 schools.
The panels are expected to significantly offset future utility expenses. The district expects to save an estimated 68 to 80 percent on its electricity costs at the sites, about $86,955, in the first year.
All together, panels at the three schools will generate enough power for 125 homes.
Larry Marchman, a representative of SolarCity of Phoenix, told school board members earlier this month that SolarCity owns, manages and maintains the equipment for the two systems at FHS and the ones at Anthem and Florence K-8.