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(May 5, 2025 -- Boise, ID) – This summer, Whittier Elementary School will take a big step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. As part of its strategic plan sustainability goals and its five-year action roadmap, the Boise School District is installing 340 solar panels on the school’s roof—an initiative designed to cut energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in renewable energy.
Funding from tax credits provided by the Inflation Reduction Act will cover $129,600 of the total $360,000 cost. The investment is projected to pay for itself in 12 years. Consulting services to prepare for the project were paid for through savings realized by the district as a member of Idaho Power’s School Cohort and Energy Efficiency Programs.
“By saving energy and participating in programs like those offered by Idaho Power, we’re able to reinvest incentive funds into clean energy projects, allowing us to go further, faster,” said Alison Ward, Boise School District Sustainability Coordinator.
Once installed, the system is expected to offset approximately 53% of Whittier’s power usage, saving the school an estimated $14,560 in the first year alone. Even better, the system will include real-time data access so students and staff can monitor energy production and usage—making this both a sustainability project and a living lab.
“This project is about more than just saving money,” said Superintendent Lisa Roberts. “It’s about preparing our students to lead in a world where clean energy matters.”
Boise Schools is partnering with EGT Solar on the installation. The contract was awarded based on a public bid process held by the City of Caldwell on a similar project at the Caldwell Airport.
“EGT is thrilled to partner with the Boise School District on this project,” says Rob Black, CEO of EGT Solar. “With over 15 years of residential and commercial installation experience and 5,000 customers served, we have the technical expertise and the track record required to successfully complete a project of this scale.”
The City of Boise’s Planning and Zoning Commission is currently reviewing the project and district crews have begun initial site prep for the rooftop installation. To limit the impact on school activities, the project is estimated to be completed over this coming summer.
About Boise School District Sustainability
As an active participant in our community and as a steward of public resources, the Boise School District has a responsibility to ensure not only that students fully understand the academic and scientific value of living sustainably, but that we hold ourselves to those same standards. The Boise School District remains committed to sustainability through strategic investments that benefit students, schools, and our community. For a more detailed look at our District’s accomplishments in sustainability, as well as our plan moving forward, please watch this brief video from our April 2025 Board of Trustees meeting.
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