Roanoke City Public Schools received a $450,000 state grant to build a solar-powered microgrid, which will make it the first K-12 school division in Virginia to have such a system.
Solar-powered microgrids generate power from the sun and store it in batteries for future use. Each of the city’s two high schools will host 1 megawatt of solar power-generating capacity and 4 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage, according to the press release.
Erik Curren, spokesperson for Secure Solar Futures, said the microgrid should be installed by July 2027.
The grant, which comes from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management 2026 Shelter Upgrade Assistance Fund, will be matched by $2.1 million from Secure Solar Futures, the project developer. The project will be completed at no cost to the school division, with future operating costs covered by anticipated energy savings.
The VDEM grant helps localities install, maintain or repair infrastructure related to backup energy generation for emergency shelters. Both Patrick Henry and William Fleming high schools are designated by VDEM as shelters open to the public in a storm or emergency that causes power outages, the release stated.
Secure Solar Futures is currently installing 10.1 megawatts of solar power capacity at 32 city school buildings, according to a press release from the developer and the school division. The ongoing projects, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year, are providing solar power systems and roof repairs at no cost to the division through a power purchase agreement with Secure Solar Futures.
Anthony Smith, CEO of Secure Solar Futures, said in the statement that RCPS will be the largest solar power system at any K-12 public school: “With costs falling for battery storage, we expect more schools, hospitals, and businesses to follow the example of RCPS to achieve resilience and cut their electric bills.”
The ongoing projects are expected to save the school division $60.2 million for both the power and roof repairs and replacements over 35 years, the release stated.
“This investment strengthens our ability to keep students and families safe, even during emergency situations,” Verletta White, RCPS superintendent, said in the statement.
“By adding battery storage to our existing solar infrastructure, we are increasing the resilience of our schools and ensuring Patrick Henry and William Fleming can continue serving as emergency shelters during power outages. Projects like this reflect our commitment to staying student-focused while also making smart, sustainable decisions that support our community for the long term.”