Solar Champion Stories

How Westbrook Schools Are Taking Control of Energy Costs with Solar

At a time when energy markets remain volatile, the Westbrook Public School Department is taking a proactive approach by investing in on-site solar energy as a predictable, controllable solution that stabilizes costs and protects taxpayer dollars.

Developed in partnership with ReVision Energy, the district is making significant progress on a four-project solar initiative designed to strengthen economic stewardship, reduce long-term energy costs, and build financial resilience across the district.

Net Energy Billing credits from these combined systems will save Westbrook taxpayers approximately $266,000 in year one. 

“We are all on the ‘let’s save money’ team. Solar is something we can control. While we can’t dictate future energy prices, we can take action today to reduce what we’ll pay tomorrow.”

— Dr. Peter Lancia, Superintendent

A Smart Response to Uncertain Energy Prices

The district’s solar rollout spans four rooftop projects:

  • westbrook schools sacarappa dron.jpgCongin School (completed March 2026): producing ~201,535 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually
  • Saccarappa Elementary School (completed May 2026): producing ~305,345 kWh annually
  • Westbrook Middle School (under construction, completing soon)
  • Westbrook High School & Regional Vocational School (construction beginning June 2026)

Together, these systems make up:

  • 1.1+ megawatts of installed solar capacity
  • Over 1.3 million kWh of clean electricity annually
  • Approximately $266,000 in year-one savings through Net Energy Billing credits

More than Savings - An Investment in Students

While the financial case is compelling, the impact goes much deeper. By reducing long-term energy costs, Westbrook can redirect funding into classrooms, programs, and student opportunities. At the same time, the district is hugely reducing its carbon footprint. Collectively, these systems will offset a substantial share of the district’s electricity use while reducing carbon emissions - equivalent to taking hundreds of cars off the road.

Westbrook Public Schools’ solar investment reflects the district’s commitment to responsible stewardship and student success. The initiative also demonstrates thoughtful financial decision-making combined with environmental responsibility to prepare students for the future while strengthening the community and reducing environmental impacts.

“This is about more than installing panels. It’s about creating the conditions for long-term success: one where we actively manage what we can control, reduce fixed costs, and make smart investments that benefit our schools and our community for decades.”

— Dr. Mazjanis, Assistant Superintendent of Finance

A Model for Schools Across Maine

Westbrook’s leadership offers a clear takeaway: solar is one of the most effective tools available to schools looking to stabilize budgets and plan for the future. With large, unobstructed roof space and predictable daytime energy use, schools are uniquely positioned to benefit from solar. And with an experienced, employee-owned partner like ReVision Energy, districts can move forward with confidence.

As Counselor Michael Shaughnessy said in a recent city council meeting, “solar takes advantage of the fact that an unobstructed roof is a natural resource.”   

Ready to stabilize energy costs and explore solar for your school district? Send us an email: hello@revisionenergy.com