During the September 29, 2025, Special Board Meeting, the Route 40 Elementary School Solar Power Purchase Agreement was approved. This purchasing agreement is through BAI Group, LLC. While the field will be connected to the grid at Route 40, the entire school district will receive energy cost savings. Key points of the project are as follows:
- The power production projections show that this solar array could produce close to half of the electricity consumed by the whole school system.
- The solar array will not be installed on GCPS property, but would connect to the power grid at Route 40 Elementary School.
- GCPS will not incur any costs for this project. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has awarded Garrett County an energy grant of $750,000, which will be passed to BAI and applied to the installation of equipment, maintenance, and other related expenses.
- The energy saving for the first year is projected to be around $210,000.
- Completion of this project is expected to be in the Fall of 2026.
“The approval of this agreement marks a significant step forward in Garrett County Public Schools’ commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and innovation,” said Mr. Robert Witt, GCPS Director of System Operations. “By leveraging state grant funding and renewable energy partnerships, GCPS is poised to reduce long-term operating costs while supporting cleaner energy solutions for the community.”
GCPS looks forward to the completion of the solar project, anticipated for Fall 2026, and the positive impact it will bring to both students and taxpayers for years to come.
