New Lenox SD 122 Approves Community Solar Agreement, Anticipates $62K in Annual Savings

New Lenox School District 122 Meeting | October 21, 2025

Article Summary: New Lenox School District 122 will join a community solar program after the Board of Education approved a 20-year agreement with Nexamp Solar, a move projected to save the district approximately $62,000 in electricity costs annually.

Community Solar Agreement Key Points:

• The district will purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from an off-site solar farm built and operated by Nexamp.

• The program is estimated to provide a 10% discount on the district’s future electric bills, resulting in over $62,000 in savings in the first year.

• The 20-year subscription agreement does not require any upfront investment or the installation of solar panels on district property.

• The program is part of “Illinois Shines,” a state initiative promoting renewable energy.

NEW LENOX, IL – The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, unanimously approved a 20-year agreement with Nexamp Solar, LLC, to participate in a community solar program that is expected to generate significant energy savings for the district.

Mike Perry of Midwest Energy, the district’s energy broker for over 15 years, presented the proposal. He explained that under the federally funded program, the district will subscribe to a solar farm located within ComEd’s service territory. The district will purchase Renewable Energy Credits from the farm, which will then be applied to its utility bills.

“The District is not actually owning or building any solar panels on our property,” explained Business Manager Robert Groos in a memo.

The program is projected to save the district approximately $62,000 per year, which translates to a 10% discount on its electric bills. Perry noted that while the district is signing a 20-year commitment, it may not begin receiving credits until 2027.

When asked about potential downsides, Perry mentioned that the district will need to adjust to a new accounting process for paying energy bills and that the 20-year term is a significant commitment. However, he also noted that school districts are ideal candidates for such programs because “they usually don’t go anywhere.”