Powering the Future: Chicago Collegiate Charter School to Save $715K Through Solar Roof Transformation
On the south side of Chicago in the Roseland neighborhood, Chicago Collegiate Charter School (CCCS) is taking a major step towards securing its future. After years of leasing space, the school purchased its own historic building, creating an opportunity to establish a permanent home. The new property carries decades of character but has endured neglect after sitting vacant since 2018. Repeated break-ins and flooding from a burst pipe left significant damage throughout the building. ARCO/Murray worked closely with the school to evaluate renovation needs. Among the many challenges, the roof emerged as a critical issue that required careful analysis and planning to ensure both immediate improvements and long-term value.
Reimagining the Roof
From the start, the roof presented multiple concerns as it was nearing the end of its lifecycle. Extensive maintenance was proposed to extend its use for another five to seven years, as a full re-roof was beyond the school’s budget. This approach would have provided a temporary fix, not a long-term solution. ARCO/Murray utilized its integrated Power Solutions partner, AMPS, as well as Real Bright Development to find a more sustainable path forward. As a public school, CCCS could install a solar system that leveraged federal and state incentives. This approach makes a full re-roof financially feasible, transforming the roof from a liability into an investment.
Installing the solar array requires more than placing panels on the existing roof. An upgraded thermoplastic polyolefin membrane and a cover board are necessary to support the weight of the solar system. Despite the higher upfront costs, the solar solution will deliver lasting impact. It will provide a positive return on investment, a brand-new roof backed by a 20-year warranty, and the ability to fully offset the school’s annual electricity usage.
Maximizing Incentives and Long-Term Value
Throughout the solar roof installation process, CCCS drew on AMPS’s expertise to navigate federal and state incentives, ensuring the school captures the full financial benefits of the project. AMPS assisted with all necessary tax forms for federal incentives. For state incentives, AMPS serves as the approved vendor, managing the process and directing funds to the school, since CCCS cannot apply independently.
The solar array is sized at 105.56 kWdc (75 kWac) and is expected to produce approximately 135,265 kilowatt-hours in its first year. Each megawatt-hour generated earns Solar Renewable Energy Credits, or SRECs, which can be sold back to the local utility through the Illinois Shines program. These credits create a steady revenue stream that strengthens project economics and shortens the payback period. Over a 25-year period, the solar system is projected to generate $715,000 in combined value through SRECs, federal and state incentives, and reduced electricity costs. This long-term return enables the school to reinvest operational savings directly into its educational mission.
Building a Brighter Future
The roof transformation is a critical component of a broader renovation for Chicago Collegiate Charter School. Across the 50,000-square-foot building, classrooms were refreshed, offices modernized, mechanical systems upgraded and the exterior facade revitalized. Each improvement enhances the daily experience for students and staff, supporting approximately 300 students.
“One thing I really appreciate about ARCO is their ability to understand that this building is about more than just function…They care deeply about the impact on the community. It is not just about constructing a box or getting the job done. They genuinely care about creating a great place for kids, and you do not find that everywhere.” – Tracie Sanlin, CEO of Chicago Collegiate Charter School
With careful planning, technical expertise and close coordination with AMPS and Real Bright Development, ARCO/Murray helped the school lay the foundation for decades of energy-efficient, sustainable operations.
Education is at the heart of ARCO/Murray’s charitable mission. As a proud local general contractor, we are committed to giving back and supporting educational opportunities for Chicago’s youth. We are honored to contribute to the renovation of Chicago Collegiate Charter School’s new home, a project that will inspire future generations and strengthen the impact on its community.
