The Keota School District has installed solar panels in a move to save money on energy costs.

The panel installations were completed in late 2025. Superintendent Dave Harper says the panels were privately funded, with no out of pocket costs to the school. He says the district is looking at initial savings of $14,000 a year on the district’s energy bill.

The district worked with Red Lion Renewables out of Norwalk to install the panels, receiving tax credits doing so. Those credits were set to expire soon, according to Harper. The company has also previously installed solar panels at Sigourney and Pekin. The school will pay a monthly energy bill to Red Lion Renewables, but at a cheaper rate than they would have paid otherwise. After six years, the school has the choice to purchase the system, or to continue the agreement.

Along with the solar panels, the district is also in the process of upgrading all of the lighting in the buildings to LED, which will run more efficiently. Harper says the money saved on energy will allow the district to spend that money on the students instead.