Kankakee Valley School Corporation is a public school district located in the state of Indiana, United States. The district serves the communities of Wheatfield, DeMotte, and San Pierre, and is responsible for providing quality education to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. In recent years, the district has also taken on a new responsibility – that of developing renewable energy projects in the solar sector.

The decision to develop renewable energy projects was driven by a number of factors. First and foremost, the district recognized the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to the fight against climate change. Second, the district was looking for ways to reduce its energy costs and save money in the long run. Finally, the district saw an opportunity to educate its students about the importance of renewable energy and the role it can play in creating a more sustainable future.

The district's first foray into the solar sector came in 2017, when it partnered with a local solar company to install solar panels on the roofs of two of its schools. The project was a success, and the district soon began exploring other opportunities to expand its renewable energy portfolio.

One of the district's most ambitious projects to date is a 1.5 MW solar array that was installed on a 10-acre site adjacent to the high school. The project was completed in 2020 and is expected to generate approximately 2 million kWh of electricity annually – enough to power more than 200 homes for a year. The solar array is also expected to save the district more than $100,000 in energy costs each year.

In addition to the solar array, the district has also installed solar panels on the roofs of several other schools and buildings, including the middle school, the elementary school, and the district's administrative offices. These smaller projects are expected to generate a combined total of more than 500,000 kWh of electricity annually.

The district's renewable energy projects have not only been good for the environment and the bottom line – they have also provided valuable educational opportunities for students. The district has integrated the solar projects into its curriculum, using them as a way to teach students about renewable energy, electricity generation, and sustainability. Students have also had the opportunity to tour the solar arrays and learn about the technology behind them.

The district's renewable energy projects have not been without their challenges, however. One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the complex regulatory landscape surrounding renewable energy in Indiana. The state's net metering policy, which allows customers to receive credit for excess energy generated by their solar panels, has been a particular point of contention. The policy has been the subject of ongoing debate and uncertainty, making it difficult for the district to plan and finance its renewable energy projects.

Despite these challenges, the district remains committed to its renewable energy goals. It is currently exploring opportunities to expand its solar portfolio and is also considering other renewable energy technologies, such as wind and geothermal. The district sees renewable energy as a key part of its mission to provide quality education and prepare its students for a sustainable future. By developing renewable energy projects, the district is not only reducing its carbon footprint and saving money – it is also setting an example for other schools and communities to follow.