OEC, Norman Public Schools Partner to Develop Renewable Energy Farm

A new solar farm is coming to Norman, thanks to a partnership between Oklahoma Electric Cooperative and the Norman Public School District.

The Norman Board of Education on Nov. 18 approved an agreement to lease district-owned land to OEC to develop the solar farm, which will reduce the school district’s energy costs and provide educational opportunities for students.

Construction on the solar farm will begin soon and conclude by the end of 2020. When complete, the 15-acre, 2 megawatt solar farm is expected to generate the equivalent of nearly 30 percent of the school district’s total energy usage.

“We are fortunate to have so many incredible partners in Norman,” said Dr. Nick Migliorino, superintendent of Norman Public Schools. “We appreciate OEC and their desire to help us further reduce energy costs, which allows us to invest more resources in our classrooms.”

The partnership also features a Renewable Science Education Center, where students can visit the solar farm and learn about electricity, energy and careers in related fields. The project aligns with the City of Norman’s Ready for 100 initiative, which calls for the city to be fueled 100 percent by renewable energy by 2030.

“We are proud to partner with Norman Public Schools to expand access to renewable, solar energy,” said Patrick Grace, CEO of Oklahoma Electric Cooperative.

At OEC, our purpose is to improve our members’ quality of life through innovative energy programs, and exceptional member service. This collaboration allows us to do both.

The solar farm will be located at 60th and Robinson in Norman and will feature 7,208 panels. The property is owned by Norman Public Schools and OEC will lease a portion of the land to construct the solar farm and an associated road to the facility.

The Norman Public School District already has made significant strides toward energy conservation with technology upgrades, lighting changes and awareness campaigns. Since the inception of the district’s energy conservation program, Norman Public Schools have realized a cost avoidance of more than $2.8 million.

The new solar farm will add to OEC's already-robust platform of forward-thinking energy solutions for our members and the many communities we serve.