Warren County school to help generate solar energy

Warren County Public Schools is leasing the roof to Argand Energy Solutions and private investors for the next 20 years for a $75,000 up-front fee. After eight years, the school will collect $6,000 annually, the district says.

"It was a no-brainer," Warren schools Superintendent Ray Spain said. "It's kind of a win-win situation."

In addition to the revenue, a separate solar panel will be placed on the ground and be part of the high school's curriculum.

"This partnership is a perfect opportunity where students will be able to have hands-on learning," Warren schools' director of career and technical education, Ernie Conner, said.

The panels, however, won't power the school, Argand business development director Rob Lease says.

The company will harness the energy – enough to power as many as 60 homes – and sell it to a utility company.

"This is really an opportunity for counties, such as ours, to start becoming power generators, not just power customers," Warren County's economic development director, Gabe Cumming, said.