By the time school starts in August, solar panels could be on top of Starr Elementary School's roof.

The panels are part of an Oregon City Schools initiative that officials said could save about $7,000 annually on electricity bills and does not require new technology infrastructure.

The district pays Toledo Edison 9.6 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity at Starr.

With the solar panels producing electricity, the district would pay Solar Planet, a Columbus company, 7.25 cents per kilowatt hour.

The company would build and own the panels and maintain the equipment. The company would receive government tax credits for the panels.

"We don't have any initial upfront costs," said Dean Sandwisch, district business manager. "It's really a simple deal compared to the wind turbines."

The panels, which are about two feet tall, would move to face the sun and would be visible on the roof.

"It's going to take the majority of our roof space at Starr," Mr. Sandwisch said.

"It won't be sitting up very high. You probably will be able to see it, but I think you will have to look for it."

First Published April 4, 2012, 4:00 a.m.