WAUKEE, Iowa — A new addition to the Waukee Innovation and Learning Center is adding a more environmentally friendly energy source, while also saving money.

The Waukee School District, along with MidAmerican Energy, has added solar panels to the new 30,000-square-foot addition to the WILC. This is the first building in the Waukee School District that will use solar power.

The decision came after the district evaluated various options and determined that solar energy was the best option for the new addition. The panels were installed this past spring and summer and are expected to be operating very soon.

Kirk Johnson, Chief Operating Officer with the Waukee Community School District, said that the new addition was a great spot for the first solar panels in the district, and they will be very cost-effective as well.

“We believe it will save nearly about 158,000 kilowatt hours per year, which translates to a little over $20,000 of savings per year, which is a savings to our general fund, which helps recoup costs that help pay for staff and supply things for students.”

Johnson also said that as long as everything goes well, there could be future conversations about expanding solar energy throughout the school district.