Plymouth Schools to Implement Solar Carports at High Schools

Project aims to reduce energy costs, provide covered parking

PLYMOUTH, MA - October 21 - Plymouth Public Schools is moving forward with plans to install solar carports at Plymouth North and Plymouth South High Schools. The School Committee approved the proposal during its Oct. 21 meeting.

The project is part of a larger initiative by the town to implement solar power at five critical infrastructure facilities. Michael Cahill, Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Planner for Plymouth, presented the proposal to the committee.

"We're seeking your approval for the installation of solar carports at both Plymouth North and Plymouth South High School," Cahill said.

The carports will be located behind Plymouth South High School and directly behind Plymouth North High School next to the football field. The project is expected to generate significant energy savings for the district.

Adam Teft, an engineer working on the project, explained that the systems would be entirely third-party owned and operated under a power purchase agreement. This arrangement allows the district to buy power from the array at a set price for 20 years.

"Not only does it help reduce your costs in the short term, but it helps lock in a fixed rate over a 20-year period, which from a budgetary standpoint can be pretty valuable, too," Teft said.

Annual savings for the district are estimated to be approximately $200,000. Over the 20-year agreement, lifetime savings could range between $5.3 million and $10.2 million.

The project timeline aims to have contracts ready for execution by the end of this year, with construction taking place during summer months to avoid interfering with school activities.

School Committee members expressed support for the project but raised questions about potential challenges. Dr. James Sorensen recalled a previous proposal for solar covers at Plymouth South High School that was blocked by the utility company.

Teft addressed these concerns, explaining that the current proposal accounts for potential interconnection costs and includes contingencies to protect the district's interests.

In addition to the solar carport discussion, the School Committee meeting touched on the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in education.

School administrators are grappling with how to educate students on responsible AI use while maintaining academic integrity. Plymouth South High School Principal Patty Fry highlighted the need for a balanced approach.

"I think it's almost like cell phones. I didn't bring up the cell phones because we've actually, third year in, we're succeeding, kids put them away, it's not a fight, it's not a problem," Fry said. "Philosophically, I don't believe in banning them, because they have to learn to function with a cell phone."

Fry emphasized the importance of teaching students how to use AI as a tool for success rather than a shortcut. "Don't use it to write your essay. One student wrote an essay, it's about an influential person in their life, they didn't even name a person, so they knew that was AI," she explained.

The district is exploring ways to incorporate AI education into existing programs. Superintendent Dr. Chris Campbell mentioned that a working group is looking at how AI can be a "thought partner" rather than a personal assistant for students.