Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pinehurst School District received notice in February 2026 that it will be receiving an Oregon Department of Energy C-REP grant award. The following FAQs explain the project Pinehurst submitted in its grant application and subsequent updated design plan in March. We are thrilled to have received this grant for our community!

How much money was awarded to Pinehurst School and what will it be used for?

$219,500 was awarded specifically to construct a solar energy system with battery backup to keep the school operational during minor power outages and to enable the school to serve as a community energy resilience hub in the case of a catastrophic event. The grant funds will cover 100% of the cost of the project.

What size system will be constructed and where will it be located?

Pinehurst will install a 19 kW pole-mounted solar array directly in front of the solar greenhouse on the North edge of the old ball field. Power will be transferred underground to the East end of the main school building. A new 85.8 kWh battery system will provide backup power to run critical loads at the school. Any “extra” solar energy will be returned to the grid utilizing a net metering system which will credit the school for that excess power. The system has been sized to generate 100% of the power that the school uses annually. The cost savings to Pinehurst School is estimated to be $161,537 over the next 25 years.

What critical loads will be powered by the battery backup system if the grid goes down?

In the event of a power outage, the battery will power all electrical loads in the Annex building, including heating system, refrigeration, freezer, cooking, well pump, outlets, internet and lights. In addition, the batteries will power critical heating, lighting and outlet loads in the gym if additional space is needed in the event of a longer duration emergency.

Who will have access to using the school in the event of a catastrophic event?

The system is being designed to support our Greensprings community as needed. The details of the community emergency plan will be developed over the next 6 to 12 months with direct community input. If you would like to be involved at the committee level, please contact Deb Evans using her contact information below.

What services will the community emergency resilience hub at Pinehurst be able to provide?

Assuming no new solar energy is available (the sun isn’t out), the battery backup system will provide water, cell phone charging, space heating, refrigeration for medicines, internet service (if not down elsewhere), coordinated communication with emergency services, and cooking facilities for approximately three days. If solar energy is available for recharging, the batteries can power these loads indefinitely. In addition, the hub will serve as a place where the community can gather and get information during emergencies.

Who is managing the construction project?

True South Solar.

What is the timeline for construction and installation?

Project detail will be finalized in March, and equipment will be procured in April and May. Construction is slated to start in June and the system should be operational in September 2026.

How many entities were awarded C-REP grants this round?

Pinehurst School was one of 24 applicants being awarded C-REP grants in round 4 out of 76 entities that applied for funding. This round’s announcement of $12 million dollars in grant awards completes the $50 million the Oregon legislature designated to provide energy resilience, economic development and cost savings to communities.

Are there any upcoming events where I can learn more about the project?

Yes, Deb will be speaking on April 11th at the Friends of the Greensprings (FOG) Annual Meeting at the Green Springs Inn Yurt as well as on April 25th at the Greensprings Rural Fire District Annual Meeting at the Bob Given Fire Station.

For more information, contact Deb Evans at deb@pinehurst.k12.or.us or call 541-601-4748