New Lenox School District 122 Considers Community Solar Program Promising $55K in Annual Savings

New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | September 2025

Article Summary: New Lenox School District 122 is exploring a 20-year subscription to a community solar program that could save the district an estimated $55,000 annually on its electricity bills with no upfront investment. The board reviewed the proposal from developer Nexamp and plans to vote on the agreement in October.

Community Solar Program Key Points:

• The district would enter a 20-year subscription agreement with solar developer Nexamp.

• The program is projected to save the district approximately $55,000 per year on electricity costs.

• No solar panels would be installed on district property; the program works by allocating renewable energy credits.

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, reviewed a proposal to join a community solar program that could generate significant energy savings over the next two decades.

Business Manager/CSBO Robert Groos presented the program, which involves entering a 20-year subscription with Nexamp, a solar developer. The district would not install or own any solar panels. Instead, it would subscribe to a solar farm built and operated by Nexamp elsewhere, allocating its energy “credits” to the project in exchange for discounts on its utility bills.

“He estimates that this program could save NLSD122 about $55K a year,” the minutes stated.

During the discussion, board members sought clarification on the long-term commitment. Member Bill Pender asked if the district would have any financial liability, to which Groos replied there would be none, only the potential for savings. President Stephanie Peltzer inquired about upfront payments, and Groos confirmed there were none.

Member Nicole DeGrave questioned the credit structure, asking why the district receives a 10% savings while the developer gets 90%. Groos explained that Nexamp is responsible for building, operating, and financing the solar farm.

The district’s energy broker, Midwest Energy, recommended the program. Because some federally funded solar programs may expire in January, the board plans to make a decision soon. An energy broker will be invited to the October board meeting to answer further questions before a vote is taken.