• Valley View Elementary in Toppenish is completing a $1.7 million clean energy project funded by a Washington State Department of Commerce grant

• The project includes solar panels on the school roof and a battery storage system that will reduce energy costs and serve as emergency shelter during power outages

• The system is expected to be functional by mid-June or later this summer, pending installation of an 800-amp safety breaker

TOPPENISH — A major piece of Valley View Elementary’s clean energy project is now in place as the Toppenish School District continues work on its new battery energy storage system.

Valley View Elementary in Toppenish is putting the finishing touches on a clean energy project that includes solar panels on the roof of the school and a large battery storage system on campus. The project is funded through a $1.7 million Washington State Department of Commerce grant.

District officials say the work also comes after a 27% increase in electricity expenses from last school year. Now, the project is nearly complete, with solar panels installed and the school’s battery storage unit arriving earlier this spring.

“We’ve got the solar panels on the roof of Valley View Elementary. They’re connected to this battery energy storage system. And once it’s energized, the solar panels will be creating, or providing regular, electrical, electricity for Valley View to help reduce our energy costs,” said Brittany Kaple, director of public relations for the Toppenish School District.

Kaple says the battery storage system will serve a unique purpose for both the school and the greater Toppenish community when emergencies arise, especially during prolonged power outages.

“People really need essential services for health concerns, EMS and other, you know, law enforcement agencies, Valley View will be able to remain open and be, that, that shelter space,” Kaple said.

Kaple says with the storage unit now installed, there is just one final major piece needed before the project can fully come together.

“Got our batteries in place. We’ve got our solar panels connected. And really, all we’re waiting for, is our 800 amp breaker, which actually is a, safety measure. And so if there was a power surge, it would shut off the unit,” Kaple said.

Kaple says once the system is energized by the power company, it is expected to be functional by mid-June or sometime later this summer. She also says the district plans to use the storage system as an educational tool for students.

“We’re just really excited to be able to bring this, renewable energy and this technology, this really modern technology to our students and to our Toppenish community,” Kaple said.

Officials say they are excited to continue their mission of bringing renewable energy to the school while also finding ways to support the community.

Kaple says the breaker for the storage unit is expected to arrive in June, and the school district will also hold an educational community event in September for those interested in learning more about renewable energy.

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