Lopez Island School advances solar project
Published 1:30 am Monday, May 25, 2026
Submitted by the Lopez Island School District.
Lopez Island School District is moving ahead with an ambitious solar energy project that, at no cost to the school, promises to deliver both environmental and financial benefits. Phase 1 will install 177 kilowatts of rooftop solar panels on the elementary and secondary school buildings, with construction targeted for completion by August.
The district estimates the system will generate $28,000 per year in electricity savings, freeing up funds that can go directly back into educational programs and student services, and help alleviate the school’s ongoing budget shortfalls. For the small rural district serving about 185 students — roughly 51% of whom are from low-income households — these savings are significant. Utility-bill savings and revenues from electricity sales will benefit low-income students through funding programs such as free school lunch and special education for low-income students.
The project is made possible through a combination of funding sources that come at no cost to the school. Washington State’s Community Solar Expansion Program will contribute up to $289,000 toward the project cost, while the federal government’s Direct Pay clean energy incentive will cover the remainder of the $412,800 project. The district is grateful to participate in OPALCO’s net billing and Switch It Up! loan programs.
A number of partners have helped bring the project from concept to reality. Lopez school alum, parent and former school board director Chris Greacen worked as a volunteer together with Lopez Island School District Superintendent Brady Smith to help catalyze the project from inception, with technical assistance and funding pathways guidance from the regional clean energy nonprofit Spark Northwest. Former board member John Helding brought deep expertise in Lopez school infrastructure and renovations. MZ Solar Consulting is serving as the owner’s representative, providing technical engineering support to ensure the project is delivered on time, on budget and in alignment with the district’s long-term goals. The team developed a strategic Request for Proposal with the winning contractor maximizing the solar system design for a fixed budget. Following a competitive process, the district selected Bellingham-based Western Solar as the design and build contractor.
Looking ahead, the solar installation is designed with future expansion in mind. A planned second phase could incorporate battery energy storage, enabling the school to function as a community resilience hub during power outages or natural disasters — providing electricity for lighting, communications, water systems and critical equipment, and enhancing the school’s ability to serve as a contracted Red Cross emergency center.
The project also opens the door to hands-on learning opportunities for students. With system monitoring and data display capabilities, students will be able to engage directly with real-time energy production, connecting classroom lessons to real-world applications.
As Lopez Island navigates the challenges of rural infrastructure and rising costs, this solar initiative represents a practical, forward-looking investment. By combining state, federal and local funding, local expertise and strong community partnerships, the school district is turning sunlight into lasting value — for its students and for the island as a whole.
