The panels are expected to generate upward of $700,000 in energy savings, which will go toward offsetting EISD's projected budget shortfalls, district officials said in a news release.
The details
District officials said Axis Solar began the process of installing solar panels last July, which generate 4.75 megawatts of energy and surpass energy generated from panels at The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College and Austin ISD.
Funding for the $8.6 million project came from the district's 2023 bond, which included funds for energy-efficiency projects. The project was aided by $6 million in incentives, which included about $3.5 million in Austin Energy rebates and $2.6 million in federal incentives, per the release.
“This project shows that sustainability and smart financial planning can go hand in hand to benefit students, schools and taxpayers alike," Axis Solar co-founder Graeme Walker said in the release.
Major takeaways
Chief Financial Officer Chris Scott said the panels are helping save approximately half of EISD's annual electricity costs.
The board of trustees have discussed other cost-saving measures to address the fiscal year 2026-27 shortfall, including adjusting staffing structures, freezing salaries, and reducing or eliminating district programs and services.
However, the $700,000 in savings expected to be generated from the panels—equivalent to 11 teaching positions— will help alleviate a part of these projected shortfalls, district officials said.
"It’s a clear example of fiscal responsibility and innovation working together to benefit our schools," Scott said in the release.
