Medford School District 549C
Energy Project Highlights
Oakdale Middle School Gym Solar Array
Back in 2023, the district took a major step towards renewable energy by installing a state-of-the-art 66-kilowatt solar array atop the Oakdale gym. This impressive system generates electricity that is used to offset the power consumed by the facility. The beauty of this installation is that, at times, the solar panels are so efficient that they produce more electricity than the facility consumes. The excess electricity is then sent back into the electric grid, causing the meter to run backward. This means that the district not only saves money on energy bills but also reduces its carbon footprint and contributes to a cleaner environment.
LED Upgrade: An Oregon Department of Energy Grant in 2015 for $112,542.00 and a $38,700.00 incentive from Energy Trust enabled the Medford School District to upgrade 1,103 T-12 fluorescent fixtures to energy efficient LED’s and to remove an additional 271 fixtures at the MSD Education Center. With less than $2,300.00 out-of-pocket cost, Energy Trust estimated 340,000 kWh and $30,000.00 annually in avoided energy consumption and costs. LED lamps have been shown to improve student performance, behavior and mood. They will also last up to five times longer than the older fluorescent lamps.
McLoughlin Science Room Window Upgrade: Replacement of these 14 windows added value to our energy conservation effort.
Equipment Upgrades: TheMSDEC Annex Chiller Replacement was completed in early 2017, replacing a 30-year-old 40-ton chiller with a new 37-ton more efficient model. MSD will receive a $5,700.00 incentive for this project and will save 22,893 kWh and $1,759.00 annually.
North Gym-Proposal-Lighting Upgrade: The NMHS Gymnasium currently has over 196 fluorescent fixtures that require setting up scaffold to change out burnt lamps and ballasts. By replacing these lamps to LED we will save 102,000 kWh and the LED bulbs will last five times as long, therefore reducing equipment and labor costs.