A new low-interest loan program helping Ohio K–12 schools invest in solar and energy-saving improvements. Low-interest loans to finance solar, efficient HVAC, lighting upgrades, controls, insulation, and other energy conservation measures.
Ohio House Bill 15, signed in May 2025, restructures state energy policy to promote affordability and reliability while redirecting certain funds into practical programs for public benefit. Among its measures is the School Energy Performance Contracting Loan Fund, a targeted financing tool to help schools invest in energy efficiency and renewable projects. “The fund shall be used by the commission to provide loans to school districts…for the purchase and installation of energy conservation measures, including solar panels.” Ohio HB15 Section 3318.67
The Loan Fund reduces the upfront financial barrier for public schools to adopt clean energy and efficiency projects, enabling districts to lower long-term utility costs and improve building performance. Solar installations and other upgrades can produce measurable savings that help districts pay back loans through lowered operational expenses, while improving resilience and directing funds back into classrooms.
The program has bipartisan support as a practical reinvestment in education infrastructure; applications are administered through OFCC and the fund became active in 2025.
Eligible Applicants Boards of education for city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school districts are eligible to apply for loans under the fund.
Loans cover energy conservation measures including solar panels, insulation, energy-efficient windows, HVAC replacement, automatic energy controls, and LED lighting upgrades.
Repayment can be structured as installment payment contracts or shared-savings contracts tied to realized energy savings.
Energy Conservation Measure Installment Payment Contracts Agreements – to purchase and install energy-saving equipment paid over time through fixed installments.
Shared-Savings Contracts Repayments – tied to actual energy cost savings generated by the upgrades, aligning incentives for performance.
School districts should prepare a project feasibility assessment that demonstrates expected energy savings and project costs. Applications and program details are administered by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). Kokosing Solar helps districts evaluate project scope, quantify savings, and prepare technical materials for an OFCC application.
At Kokosing Solar, we like to do things a little differently. Here’s what sets us apart:
During our free evaluation, we assess your available space, and energy use.
Engineered for maximum value and performance.
We’re a full turnkey installer. We handle all design, equipment procurement and paperwork so you’re ready to go.
From federal tax credits to the local school energy performance contracting loan fund, our experts will work with you to create a project that takes advantage of all available incentives.
Have questions about the School Energy Performance Contracting Loan Fund or how your district can benefit? Talk with a Kokosing Solar education specialist who focuses on Ohio K–12 projects.
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