$2.75 million will go to Idaho school solar projects

BOISE — Idaho’s energy czar is getting ready to divvy up about $2.75 million in federal stimulus money for state schools. The Office of Energy Resources is now taking grant proposals from districts for the Idaho Solar Panels for Schools program. The money will go to installing large solar electric net-metered equipment at schools. Each project is expected to be up to 100 KW in size and will generate electricity and revenue to cut districts’ energy bills. The program is also meant to teach students about alternative energy. Every district across Idaho can submit one proposal. The deadline for submitting such proposals Nov. 12. Gov. Butch Otter said in a statement that he’s anxious to see this federal money spent to put solar installations into Idaho schools — and expand the state’s alternative energy sources.