Roanoke Schools Unveil $2.55M Solar-Powered Microgrid Project

The new system will provide emergency power and cost savings for two high schools designated as community shelters.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Roanoke City Public Schools has announced a $2.55 million solar-powered microgrid energy storage project at William Fleming and Patrick Henry high schools. The project will allow both schools to maintain power during outages without diesel generators and is the first of its kind at a public school division in Virginia. The microgrid will be funded through a $450,000 grant and $2.1 million investment, with no upfront costs to the school district.

Why it matters

The new solar-powered microgrid system will provide emergency backup power for the two high schools that serve as designated community shelters, ensuring they can maintain critical functions like heating, cooling, and food storage during power outages. It also delivers long-term energy cost savings for the school district.

The details

The microgrid project includes 1 megawatt of solar power generating capacity and 4 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage at each of the two high schools, for a total of 8 megawatt-hours of storage. The battery system is designed to power essential infrastructure like gyms, kitchens, and freezers when the grid goes down. The system also allows the schools to draw from stored power to reduce energy costs during peak demand periods and sell excess power back to the grid.

  • The $2.55 million project was announced in February 2026.
  • Construction on the microgrid is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The players

Roanoke City Public Schools

The public school district in Roanoke, Virginia that is implementing the solar-powered microgrid project.

Secure Solar Futures

The solar developer partnering with Roanoke City Public Schools on the microgrid project and providing $2.1 million in investment.

Jeff Shawver

The Senior Director of Plants for Roanoke City Public Schools.

Tony Smith

The CEO of Secure Solar Futures.

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What they’re saying

“Heat, water, the battery storage will provide that for our community. Without the, the diesel generators running. It saves us; it just gives us that redundancy once again. To provide shelters for our community. Because we're the only ones that have emergency power backups.”

— Jeff Shawver, Senior Director of Plants, Roanoke City Public Schools (WDBJ7)

“Anything that can be done to save the money makes it possible for them to retain teachers and upgrade the technology in their schools.”

— Tony Smith, CEO, Secure Solar Futures (WDBJ7)

What’s next

The microgrid project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, at which point the two high schools will have the new solar and battery storage system operational.

The takeaway

This innovative solar-powered microgrid project will provide Roanoke's public schools with reliable emergency backup power, long-term energy cost savings, and hands-on learning opportunities for students - demonstrating how renewable energy can enhance community resilience and school resources.